Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions received at the Public Health Agency of Canada office based in Edmonton.

1. What is the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)?
2. What is Health Canada?
3. What is Alberta Health and Wellness?
4. Where do I find information about the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?
5. Where can I get a copy of a particular publication?
6. In what areas does PHAC provide support for community initiatives?

1. Q. What is the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)?

   A.The Public Health Agency of Canada plays a national and regional role in improving the health and well-being of Canadians. PHAC develops, supports, promotes and coordinates health promotion and illness/injury/risk prevention programs. It also funds community-based projects which are consistent with the Agency's programs and priorities, and is involved in knowledge development and the collection and dissemination of information. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has two main locations: one in Ottawa and one in Winnipeg, which is also home to the National Microbiology Laboratory. PHAC also has staff and expertise in six regions across Canada. The main office for the Alberta/NWT Region is located in Canada Place, Edmonton.

   
   Top of Page

2. Q.What is Health Canada?

   A.Health Canada is a department of the federal government of Canada. Its mission is to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. In partnership with provincial and territorial governments, Health Canada provides national leadership to develop health policy, manage health risks, promote disease prevention and enhance healthy living for all Canadians. Health Canada ensures that health services are available and accessible to First Nations and Inuit communities. It also works closely with other federal departments, agencies and health stakeholders to reduce health and safety risks to Canadians.

   Regional offices are located in the Atlantic Region, Québec Region, Manitoba Saskatchewan Region, Alberta/Northwest Territories Region and the British Columbia/Yukon Region.

   More information about Health Canada .

   
   Top of Page

3. Q.What is Alberta Health and Wellness?

   A. Alberta Health and Wellness is a provincial government department that deals directly with the healthcare system within Alberta.

   Questions related to care, treatment, public health, hospitals, etc. can be directed to Alberta Health and Wellness or MyHealthAlberta .

4. Q. Where do I find information about the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?

   A.Look here for information about the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan .

5. Q. Where can I get a copy of a particular publication?

   A.Health Canada publishes a number of documents and resources. These can be accessed by phoning 1-613-954-5995. Public Health Agency of Canada publications can be accessed by clicking here

   
   Top of Page

6. Q.In what areas does the Public Health Agency of Canada Alberta/NWT Region provide support for community initiatives?

   A.The Public Health Agency of Canada administers several grants and contributions programs. Decisions about project support or funding under each program are determined by regional priorities and program objectives. Programs include:

   • Aboriginal Head Start
   • Population Health Fund
   • Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
   • Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada: Regional Funding
   • Community Action Program for Children
   • AIDS Community Action Program - Alberta/NWT
   • Canadian Diabetes Strategy Community-Based Program
   • Healthy Living Fund
   • Hepatitis C Prevention and Community-Based Support Fund