March 2005

Information

Public Health Goals Consultations

Federal, provincial and territorial governments have embarked on a national consultation process with public health stakeholders, experts and concerned Canadians to define public health goals for Canada. This initiative follows agreement among Canada's First Ministers on the need to better co-ordinate inter-governmental efforts to improve the health and safety of their citizens.

Common goals will provide a framework that enables both levels of government to align their individual and collective efforts on public health for the benefit of all Canadians. The goals will also provide the basis for each jurisdiction to establish targets, aligned with these goals, that reflect their respective priorities and capacities.

The goals-setting process is based on results from previous efforts in Canada to reach consensus among governments on common public health goals and targets, and an examination of similar initiatives undertaken in other countries.

The consultation process involves three complementary components:

1. Public Education: Supporting Informed Discussion

Information products and guides have been developed to ensure all those interested have the opportunity to effectively contribute to the process. A Public Health Goals Website (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hgc-osc/) has been launched and includes:

• an explanation of the goals process, including how information will be compiled and analysed;
• a list of upcoming activities, events and meetings by province/territory;
• an on-line survey and “e-forum” on public health goals; and
• summaries of previous roundtable discussions and public meetings.

A Public Health Goals Workbook identifies a number of themes in public health and includes a survey that can be used for individuals or groups to share their views. Activity Guides are available to elected officials and public health organizations to assist them in engaging Canadians in the process.

2. Consulting Canadians

Stakeholder Sessions

Various forums have been planned to allow for input from public health experts and interested Canadians. Roundtables in each province and territory will bring together experts and stakeholders from each jurisdiction to review the goals process. A summary of the proceedings will be posted on the Public Health Goals Website within 72 hours of each session. Complementary events focussing on key themes will be organized.

Engaging Canadians

The Public Health Goals Website will serve as a focal point for engaging Canadians in the goals process and for sharing information on the deliberations and results. As well, elected officials in all jurisdictions and stakeholder groups are encouraged to engage their constituents or members in reviewing and commenting on the public health goals.

3. Deliberations: Making Sense of What We Heard

E-Forums will be used to invite comments on the results of the process. A summary of all the consultations activities will be completed in June and a deliberative process will be launched to review and discuss the preliminary results. A national meeting is being planned for the Fall to ratify the goals, and provide advice to first Ministers on how to advance the next phase of the process, which is the establishment of targets in line with the goals.

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