Report: A Public Health Agency for Canada

Working Group on a Public Health Agency for Canada April, 2004

IV. Conclusion

The Working Group believes that if implemented, the recommendations contained in this paper will significantly improve the status quo in relation to national preparedness for public health emergencies, while strengthening overall national public health capacity. The following specific improvements could result from the adoption of the strategy laid out in this report:

• Better national planning and coordination of public health resources through the establishment of an effective Pan-Canadian Public Health Network.
• Clearer intergovernmental "rules of engagement" through a series of clear and transparent federal/provincial/territorial agreements on key issues.
• More clearly defined "rules of engagement" on public health matters across the federal system, and with international agencies and forums devoted to public health.
• A clear focal point for federal leadership and accountability in managing public health emergencies at a professional level, via the appointment of a CPHO.
• More timely and effective responses to potential public health threats by virtue of having the CPHO report directly to the Minister of Health.
• The establishment of a dedicated Agency focused solely on public health that can:
  • provide a foundation of expert leadership within the federal government on public health matters and which will support sound and effective public health policies;
  • more easily collaborate and partner with third party organizations such as academic institutions, research centres, foundations and grass-roots groups to support research and public health programming delivery;  
  • be an effective interlocutor with the public health policy, research and advocacy communities; and better assess and address the professional development needs of its senior personnel.
• An Agency with an organizational culture that is science-focused, performance-based, outcomes-driven, and premised on effective citizen and stakeholder engagement.

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