November 2004

Information

Government of Canada Efforts on Chronic Disease

In Canada, efforts to slow and prevent chronic disease would have a significant impact on the longevity of Canadians and greatly improve overall quality of life. Canada has several initiatives in place that focus on strengthening public health capacity and that seek to improve the ability of our health system to respond to chronic disease. Internationally, Canada is recognized for its leadership in promoting global action against chronic diseases.

1. Public Health Agency 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 the provinces and territories as well as non-governmental sector to keep Canadians healthy.

The new Public Health Agency of Canada is the lead partner on several disease specific initiatives - such as cancer and diabetes - and will continue to work with organized groups and governments dedicated to these issues nationally and internationally. As well, the Agency is committed to intersectoral collaboration at all levels on the development of the Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy, which aims to address chronic diseases by addressing common risk factors and the underlying conditions in society that contribute to these diseases.

2. Health Canada

Healthy eating plays a critical role in promoting health and reducing the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Nutrition is a multi-dimensional issue that forms part of the mandate of many organizations, both government and non-government, serving as a component of health programs that target settings, life stages, vulnerable populations, disease prevention and health promotion.

Health Canada has provided national leadership in nutrition since the late 1930s. The Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion (ONPP) provides a focal point for nutrition within the federal government and national leadership in promoting and supporting healthy eating. The role of the ONPP is to promote the nutritional health and well-being of Canadians by collaboratively defining, promoting and implementing evidence-based nutrition policies and standards.

The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy aims to reduce disease and death among Canadians. The Strategy has five objectives for the next decade:

• reduce the number of people who smoke from 25% to 20% of the population;
• decrease the number of cigarettes sold by 30%
• increase retailer compliance with laws on tobacco sales to youth from 69% to 80%
• reduce the number of people involuntarily exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in enclosed public spaces
• explore ways to mandate changes to tobacco products to reduce hazards to health.

Health Canada works with First Nations and Inuit communities to promote healthy living, and reduce the impact and promote the prevention of diseases and injuries. The Chronic Disease Prevention Division develops and works to deliver community health programs and services collaboratively with First Nations and Inuit communities and stakeholders. The division focuses on preventing diabetes and other chronic diseases, works on injury prevention and at promoting healthy living through nutrition and physical activity.

3. Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Infectious diseases are the prime focus of CIDA's Action Plan on Health and Nutrition given that they account for almost half of all deaths in developing countries. However, the Action Plan also commits CIDA to taking action on non-communicable diseases particularly those related to tobacco use and mental health as well as injury.

4. Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 8,000 researchers and research teams in every province of Canada.