Information Kit - The Canadian Diabetes Strategy

In 1999, the Government of Canada pledged $115 million over five years to the development of a Canadian Diabetes Strategy. This Strategy is a national partnership that includes the provinces and territories, many national health organizations and interest groups, and Aboriginal communities across the country.

Diabetes is a national health problem which cannot be addressed effectively by any single agency or sector of Canadian society. The World Health Organization recognizes diabetes as an international challenge. The Strategy has four components:

National Coordination

This allows for the development of a national action plan in the areas of prevention, care, education, surveillance and research. By working with partners, the Strategy builds on the expertise and collective knowledge of its partners to make best use of resources, and enhance the efficiency and costeffectiveness of its contribution to the national effort.

Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative

The Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative receives $58 million under the Strategy to address the high numbers of type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal people. The Initiative addresses this situation through community-based, culturally appropriate programs that are holistic and respectful of traditional ways and methods.

The National Diabetes Surveillance System

The surveillance system is collecting data which will allow provincial, territorial and Aboriginal partners to monitor and track new and existing cases of diabetes and its complications. Surveillance will demonstrate how the disease and its related complications are progressing in Canada and provide stakeholders with information to help develop effective prevention and control programs in their areas.

Prevention and Promotion

Through the funding of numerous projects, the Strategy encourages active, ongoing community involvement in prevention efforts that explore the links between lifestyle choices and the development of diabetes.

Strategy partners believe that a concerted, long-term approach to prevention and control is one that engages the efforts of everyone who has a responsibility in this complex health issue - Canadians affected by diabetes, their families, health care providers, health care institutions and workplaces, governments, voluntary organizations, the non-health sector and the public at large.

For more information: www.diabetes.gc.ca

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, (2002)

ISBN 0-662-66950-9
Cat. No. H39-620/2002-10