Government of Canada appoints first Chief Public Health Officer to head Public Health Agency of Canada
September 24, 2004
Winnepeg, Manitoba
Delivering on a commitment to help protect the health and safety of Canadians, Prime Minister Paul Martin today launched the new Public Health Agency of Canada and announced the appointment of the country’s first-ever Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).
Dr. David Butler-Jones, based in Winnipeg, will head the Agency, providing leadership in the government’s efforts to keep Canadians healthy and ensuring Canada is prepared in the event another serious infectious disease hits our shores.
“Today's announcement is another step in ensuring we have the best possible system for ensuring the health and safety of Canadians. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer must demonstrate clear leadership, not only in times of emergency, but also in helping Canadians stay healthy and out of the hospital,” said Prime Minister Martin. “Dr. Butler-Jones has the qualities and expertise to launch our Public Health Agency and to make it a success.”
At the recent First Ministers’ Meeting, the Prime Minister and the Premiers signed a 10-year action plan that will lead to better health care for all Canadians. Improving the public health system in Canada is key to ensuring the sustainability of the health care system. The creation of the Public Health Agency reinforces the commitments the First Ministers made in the 10-year plan.
“The Public Health Agency is an integral part of our government's plan to protect and enhance the health of Canadians,” said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. “The fact that this announcement comes so soon after striking the 10 year health care accord is another sign of the high priority that the Prime Minister and the government attach to health care reform. I am delighted that a person of Dr. Butler-Jones's quality and experience has agreed to serve as the CPHO.”
Dr. David Butler-Jones brings to the position an extensive background in public health. He has most recently served as the Medical Health Officer for Sun Country Health Region and Consulting Medical Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region in Saskatchewan. From 1995 to 2002, he was the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Butler-Jones was a member of the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health chaired by Dr. David Naylor. The creation of the Agency and this appointment were key recommendations found in the Committee’s report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada.
“I am pleased and proud to accept this appointment and look forward to working closely with the Minister of Health, the Minister of State for Public Health and the Medical Officers of Health from every province and territory to design an effective, coordinated public health system that serves our citizens. By coordinating our efforts, we will have a much greater impact on the health status of Canadians,” said Dr. Butler-Jones.
Focussed on more effective efforts to prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, prevent injuries and respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, the Public Health Agency of Canada will work closely with the provinces and territories to keep Canadians healthy and help reduce pressures on the health care system. Minister of State Dr. Carolyn Bennett emphasized the importance of this broad mandate. “We know from experience that we have to be prepared to respond to new public health threats. At the same time, over two-thirds of all deaths in Canada result from four types of chronic diseases. By targeting the causes of these diseases, we can greatly improve the health of Canadians and help to reduce the demand on the health care system,” she said.
The Agency will have offices, management, staff and expertise all across Canada and will work with a network of specialized centres across the country to address specific public health issues in Canada. Winnipeg, the location of Canada’s only Level 4 microbiology lab for human health, will become the home of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID) and it is expected to be a world leader in research, training, commercialization and innovation in addressing the threat and impacts of infectious diseases.
“I am pleased that the base of research expertise in Manitoba will contribute to the growing network of knowledge nationally and internationally and frame positive improvements in our public health system,” said the President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Reg Alcock.
Through Budget 2004, the Government of Canada committed $665 million in initial funding to strengthen Canada’s public health system. This includes $100 million for increased front-line public health capacity, $300 million to support new vaccine programs and $100 million for improved surveillance systems. Funding of $165 million over two years was also committed for other federal public health initiatives, such as strengthening preparedness against infectious diseases, creating emergency response teams, replenishing the national emergency stockpile system, investing in federal laboratories and surveillance systems and establishing the six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health. Funding for the Agency also includes the $404 million budget being transferred from the Population and Public Health Branch of Health Canada which forms the backbone of the Agency.
* * *
BIOGRAPHY - DR. DAVID BUTLER-JONES
Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s first Chief Medical Officer of Health, will head up the newly created Public Health Agency of Canada, providing leadership on the government’s efforts to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Dr. Butler-Jones brings to the position an extensive background in public health and has most recently served as the Medical Health Officer for Sun Country Health Region and Consulting Medical Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region in Saskatchewan. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Throughout his career, Dr. Butler-Jones has been an advocate for public health in Canada and around the world. Dr. Butler-Jones was a vocal supporter of the recommendations included in Dr. David Naylor’s report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada and, as the past-president of the Canadian Public Health Association, gave his public support to the creation of a national health agency and the appointment of a Chief Public Health Officer.
From 1995 to 2002, Dr. Butler-Jones was Chief Medical Health Officer for the Province of Saskatchewan and Executive Director of the Population Health and Primary Health Services Branch for the province. He has worked in many parts of Canada and has experience with consultations and work exchanges in places as diverse as the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Scotland, Brazil, Kosovo, and Chile.
Dr. Butler-Jones was a member of the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health chaired by Dr. David Naylor. The creation of the Agency and this appointment were key recommendations found in the Committee’s report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada. He is currently a member of the National Climate Change and Health Assessment Committee and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Advisory Board for the Institute of Population and Public Health.
In the past, Dr. Butler-Jones has served as:
President, Canadian Public Health Association and current Executive Board member Vice President, American Public Health Association Chair, Canadian Roundtable on Climate Change and Health 2000 International Regent, American College of Preventive Medicine Member, Governing Council for the Canadian Population Health Initiative Chair, National Coalition on Enhancing Preventive Practices of Health Professionals Co-chair of the Canadian Coalition for Public Health in the 21st Century
Dr. Butler-Jones, until the past year, was involved in clinical work, including a part-time academic clinical teaching practice in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan in Regina. His research activities have included Co-Principal Investigator for the Saskatchewan Population Health and Dynamics Survey, Co-Principal Investigator for the Heart Health Dissemination Research Program, and Principal Investigator for a Cooperative Agreement (adverse effects of marketed drugs) with the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Butler-Jones trained at the University of Toronto and Queen's University. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and a Certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. He is married to a United Church Minister and they have three children.
* * *
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA
Strengthening its ability to protect the health and safety of Canadians, the Government of Canada has delivered on its commitment to establish a new Public Health Agency of Canada and appoint a Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. The creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada marks the beginning of a new approach to federal leadership and collaboration with provinces and territories on public health and responds to a consensus from the provinces, public health experts and concerned citizens on the need for federal leadership on public health to be consolidated in a public agency. Focussed on more effective efforts to prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, prevent injuries and respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, the Public Health Agency of Canada will work closely with provinces and territories to keep Canadians healthy and help reduce pressures on the health care system.
Renewed Focus on Public Health
Unprecedented global travel and international trade mean that new and re-emerging infectious diseases are just a plane ride away. Poor diet, lack of exercise and related environmental factors also mean that Canadians are more vulnerable than ever to chronic diseases and injuries.
In this context, public heath is more important than ever and is a key part of any overall health strategy - an excellent health care system is simply not enough. Unlike health care, which focuses on the individual, public health targets the entire population by identifying threats to the health of Canadians and developing programs and initiatives to address these threats and keep Canadians healthy.
Public health includes activities like immunization, nutrition and physical activity programs, infection control measures in hospitals, along with the detection, lab testing and regulations that support these activities.
Role of the Public Health Agency of Canada
Led by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada will play a major role in a Canadian network of expertise and research in public health. It will coordinate federal efforts in identifying and reducing public health risks and threats and support national readiness to respond to health crises.
Public health has always been a key component of Health Canada’s mandate to maintain and improve the health of Canadians. Now, public health strategies will be supported by a new level of coordination and collaboration that includes governments, academia, researchers and non-governmental organizations through the creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network and the six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health.
The Agency will act as a hub for health surveillance, threat identification and disease prevention and control programs to create a more effective, coordinated Canadian public health system that serves Canadians well – no matter what the health risk or where they live. Working with the provinces and territories, the Public Health Agency of Canada will support Canadians in their efforts to live healthier lives.
The Public Health Agency will also work closely with other government departments and agencies on long-term strategies to confront both infectious and chronic disease and injury prevention and with Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Canada on emergency planning, preparedness, and response to national public health emergencies.
On the international stage, the Agency will serve as a focal point for sharing Canada’s expertise with the rest of the world and for applying international research and development to Canadian public health programs and policies. It will play a leadership role with global partners, such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and new European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control as well as other public health agencies.
The creation of the Agency is the result of wide consultation with the provinces, territories, non-government stakeholders and Canadians. It also follows recommendations from leading public health experts – including Dr. David Naylor’s report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada, as well as other Canadian and international reports – for clear federal leadership on issues concerning public health and improved collaboration within and between jurisdictions.
* * *
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada /Public Health Agency of Canada
Q.1 Why an Agency? A.1 The Public Health Agency of Canada was created in response to growing concerns about the capacity of Canada’s public health system to anticipate and respond effectively to public health threats. Its creation is the result of wide consultation with the provinces, territories, stakeholders and Canadians. It also follows recommendations from leading public health experts – including Dr. David Naylor’s report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada, as well as other Canadian and international reports – for clear federal leadership on issues concerning public health and improved collaboration within and between jurisdictions. The Agency and the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada will provide a clear focal point for federal leadership and accountability in managing public health emergencies.
Q.2 How is the Agency different from what Health Canada does now? A.2 Canada is part of a global community - recent experiences with infectious disease outbreaks, as well as both national and international reports on health care - have made it clear that, in this environment, a new model that supports a rapid response to public health threats and greater national collaboration on health issues is required. Moreover, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians. Coordinated action among federal, provincial and territorial governments is necessary to get ahead of these preventable diseases.
As part of the health portfolio, the Agency will be focussed on emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease prevention and control, and injury prevention, supported by a collaborative, national network. This new focus and collaborative model ensures these particular areas have the attention they now demand.
Q.3 With this change in structure, what is Health Canada’s role? A.3 The Agency will be focussed on emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease prevention and control, and injury prevention and promoting good health, supported by a collaborative, pan-Canadian network. Health Canada continues to provide national leadership to develop health policy and enforce health regulations and is also responsible for the administration of the Canada Health Act. In the areas of disease prevention and healthy living, Health Canada will work closely with the Public Health Agency to adapt these programs to the needs of First Nations and Inuit communities as part of its responsibility to ensure that health services are available and accessible to them.
Q.4 How will the Agency be structured? A.4 The Agency will be part of the public service and will be headed by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada who will report to the Minister of Health. Health Canada will also report to the Minister of Health. Although separate, both will be members of the health portfolio and will work together to improve and protect the health of Canadians.
Q.5 What are the advantages of the new Agency? A.5 The main advantages of the Agency are the focus and prominence it brings to the health issues that are of importance to Canadians and specifically ensuring that Canada has a public health system prepared to anticipate and respond to public health threats. Having a CPHO in place ensures there is clear federal leadership in the event of a public health emergency. Canadians made it clear that this was something they wanted to see following the SARS outbreak. The CPHO will also provide advice on public health issues directly to the Minister of Health and Minister of State for Public Health.
Q.6 Where will the Agency be headquarted? A.6 The Public Health Agency will have two pillars, one in Winnipeg and one in Ottawa, along with management, staff and expertise all across Canada.
Q.7 Will the CPHO sit in Ottawa or Winnipeg? A.7 The CPHO will be headquartered in Winnipeg but will have an office in Ottawa and will also have access to regional offices across the country.
Q.8 How many employees will work for the Agency? Will new staff be hired? A.8 Initially, the new Agency will incorporate staff and programs of Health Canada’s Population and Public Health Branch, including its over 1,500 staff. Enhancements to public health programming in the coming months will require additional human resources but the CPHO will need time to establish where things are at.
Q.9 What will be the first priority for the Agency and the newly appointed Chief Public Health Officer? A.9 Initially, key priorities will be to build a national presence for the Agency and to work with provinces and territories to design an effective, coordinated public health system that serves Canadians. The Chief Public Health Officer will play a leadership role in this regard. He will meet with provincial and territorial representatives and key public health partners, both nationally and internationally.
Q.10 Will funding be provided for new resources and initiatives to address gaps identified in the public health system? A.10 In Budget 2004, the Government of Canada committed $665 million in initial funding to strengthen Canada’s public health system. This includes $100 million for increased front-line public health capacity, $300 million to support new vaccine programs and $100 million for improved surveillance systems. This year’s budget also committed $165 million over the next two years to take immediate steps to address gaps in the public health system and help create the new Agency. These funds will be enhance programs in six areas to: upgrade the readiness of the public health system to respond to crises and threats; enhance public health surveillance systems to more effectively monitor and respond to diseases and public health risks; expand Canada’s laboratory capacity, with additional resources for Canada’s three federal public health laboratories; enhance programming for First Nations and Inuit public health; support the creation of the Agency; and establish six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health across the country to build on regional expertise in specific areas of public health.
Q.11 Who has been consulted on the design of this new Agency? A.11 The creation of the Agency is the result of wide consultation with the provinces, territories, stakeholders and Canadians. The blueprint for building the new Public Health Agency came from the reports issued by the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health, chaired by Dr. David Naylor, and by the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Michael Kirby. Both committees based their recommendations on input from public health experts and concerned Canadians.
A working group responsible for developing options for the Agency convened an informal group of independent experts to provide advice. They consulted with senior provincial and territorial health officials. In addition, the Minister of State for Public Health conducted more than 30 consultations on the Agency with federal, provincial and territorial public health officials, parliamentarians and public health stakeholders from across the country, and she established a public website to enable interested Canadians to share their views on the initiative. The working group took account of the results of these deliberations and inputs.
Q.12 How will the new Agency report to the Canadian public on its progress? A.12 The Minister of Health will publish a report that will be tabled in Parliament.
Q.13 How will this new Agency work with the provinces and territories to effectively manage public health in Canada? A.13 Planning for the establishment of a new Pan-Canadian Public Health Network is currently underway. The Network is expected to serve as a key mechanism for collaboration on public health and to facilitate national approaches to public health policy and planning. The network will bring together public health experts and officials from all jurisdictions to address public health issues. The Agency will also work with a network of six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health to foster linkages among provinces, territories, academia and non-governmental organizations.
Q.14 What is the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network? A.14 This federal, provincial, and territorial network will serve as a key mechanism for collaboration on public health and will facilitate national approaches to public health policy and planning.
Q.15 What is the mandate / role and responsibilities of the new Chief Public Health Officer of Canada? A.15 The CPHO’s responsibilities will be to:
Provide leadership of the new Public Health Agency. Provide advice to Ministers and, as appropriate, work with other federal departments and agencies, provincial/territorial governments, the international community, the public health community and Canadians on public health issues. Assume the role of the federal government spokesperson on public health issues, in particular, during public health emergencies. Play a leadership/advocacy role in national public health matters and citizen engagement in public health.
Q.16 In what way do the National Collaborating Centres add value to the public health system in Canada? A.16 The National Collaborating Centres for Public Health will provide national focal points for key priority areas in public health, building on established regional expertise. They will accelerate the development and implementation in public health practice of new research findings and best practices. Six Centres have been identified:
National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health National Collaborating Centre for Public Policy and Risk Assessment National Collaborating Centre for Infrastructure, Info-Structure and New Tools Development The National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health
Q.17 What is the status of the National Collaborating Centres? A.17 Planning for the establishment of the centres is currently underway in close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and regional representatives.
Q.18 When will the National Collaborating Centres be established? A.18 Discussions have started with the respective partners for each Centre on how best to structure operations and activities. We want to make sure that we have a structure in place that makes it easy for all partners to work together effectively on public health issues.
Q.19 Does the Agency parallel the design/mandate/roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control? A.19 There are similarities but the Agency will be unique, building on Health Canada’s strong track record in the field of health promotion. Like the CDC, the Agency will serve as a clear focal point for leadership and accountability on national public health matters within their respective jurisdictions and address similar public health concerns.
Q.20 What is the accountability of the new position to Parliament/what oversight will Parliament provide to this new Agency? A.20 The Minister of Health will report to Parliament on the Agency’s activities.
Q.21 What is public health? A.21 Public health is made up of a range of efforts to keep people healthy and out of the hospital. It includes activities like immunization, healthy eating and physical activity programs, infection control measures in hospitals, along with the detection, lab testing and regulation that supports these activities. By helping keep Canadians healthy, public health can relieve some of the pressure on the health care system.
Q.22 Hasn’t Health Canada been focussed on public health? What’s different about the strategy now? A.22 Public health has always been a key component of Health Canada’s mandate to maintain and improve the health of Canadians.
The creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada and other key components of a renewed public health system will build on this work to foster greater collaboration and coordination. The main advantages of the Agency are the focus and prominence it brings to health issues that are of importance to Canadians and specifically ensuring that Canada has a public health system prepared to anticipate and respond to public health threats.
Q.23 Won’t it take years to realize any benefits from public health interventions? What are you doing for Canadians in the short-term? A.23 Public health plays an important role in helping Canadians modify their risk of developing or acquiring a disease or sustaining injuries. When activities aimed at preventing diseases and helping people improve their overall health target key risk factors, such as smoking or poor diet, people can see significant changes to their health in the short run (3-5 years). For instance, help with diet and physical activity has been shown to be more effective than medication in preventing people who are showing early signs of diabetes from actually developing the disease. Public health also helps people living with disease or the impact of injury by preventing their conditions from becoming worse. For example, raising awareness of how to manage a disease like hepatitis C can improve one’s quality of life immediately.
|