Public Health in Atlantic Canada: A Discussion Paper. 2005.

A discussion paper based on interviews with public health stakeholders throughout the region, intended to support the transition to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
By Lisa Jensen and Stephen Kisely.
49 pages
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Description

This discussion paper was produced to assist the new Public Health Agency of Canada, Atlantic Region, to better understand the regional public health environment and to identify opportunities for building effective partnerships that can enhance public health capacity. It was intended to provide a very broad context, as a preliminary step for supporting rejuvenation of public health practice in the region.

The discussion paper is based on interviews and success stories provided by 92 public health stakeholders spanning government, academic, and non-profit sectors and all four Atlantic provinces. The paper summarizes their perceptions regarding challenges and barriers in public health practice, priority public health issues, and overarching themes. Their suggestions for the Public Health Agency of Canada are presented as nine overarching recommendations:

• Champion public health.
• Define and promote the role of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• Facilitate a strategic plan for pan-Atlantic public health.
• Build capacity for all areas of public health in the Atlantic region.
• Build on the assets, existing models, and areas of strength in Atlantic Canada.
• Support sustainable and targeted funding for public health.
• Create opportunities for networking and partnership.
• Maintain a structure of long-term relationships.
• Be a knowledge broker for public health in Atlantic Canada.

The discussion paper concludes with a list of next steps for strengthening public health in Atlantic Canada.

Credits

Public Health in Atlantic Canada: A Discussion Paper was produced by Lisa Jensen and Stephen Kisely for the Atlantic Regional Office of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The following organizations were partners in its development:

• The Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre
• The Atlantic Network for Injury Prevention
• Dalhousie University
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• The Nova Scotia Office of Health Promotion
• The Nova Scotia Department of Health
• The Government of Nova Scotia
• The University of Prince Edward Island

Availability

This publication is available for download in English and French in both html and pdf formats. To open the pdf file you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

... html English		... pdf English
... html French		... pdf French

For more information, contact:

Public Health Agency of Canada
Suite 1525, 15th Floor, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3Y6
Tel: (902) 426-2700
Fax: (902) 426-9689
E-mail: atlantic-atlantique@phac-aspc.gc.ca