June 18, 2008
For immediate release
OTTAWA — Today the first annual report of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. David Butler-Jones, was tabled in Parliament by Steven Fletcher, MP for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health.
The report is an assessment of the state of public health in Canada, and was prepared to take a broad look at the overall health of Canadians as well as disparities in health and other issues.
“While most Canadians enjoy good to excellent health, as a result of social, economic and environmental factors, some Canadians are less healthy than others", said Butler-Jones in reporting on the State of Public Health in Canada. “There are many things we can do ― both individually and collectively ― to create the conditions that are the foundation of good health. I would like this Report to start a discussion among all Canadians on how we can move forward to build on Canada’s successes in addressing health inequalities.”
The Report identifies Canadians’ income, education, environment; health behaviours (including diet and exercise); and social supports from family, friends and communities among the variety of factors determining how healthy we are.
The Report’s recommendations include:
Dr. Butler-Jones added: “The good news is that different jurisdictions and sectors — including the public health sector — have been working together and independently, applying the growing knowledge and experience of what affects our health and quality of life to reduce social and health inequalities. If we work together as a nation to leverage the knowledge, experience, and expertise gained from our successes, I am confident that we can give all Canadians the opportunity for good health and well-being.”
The report cites examples of successful programs, such as the Cape Breton Island Eskasoni Primary Care Project, which came as a result of a community decision to manage its own health care. The results of the project are :
To view the entire Report or the Report-at-a-glance, please visit: www.publichealth.gc.ca/chiefpublichealthofficer
The position of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada was created in 2004 when the Public Health Agency of Canada was established. The CPHO's role is to:
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