Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome
Strengthened Knowledge Base to Address Health and Health Care Priorities
Program Activity: Health Policy, Planning and Information
This program activity contributes to the Government of Canada Strategic Outcome: Healthy Canadians with Access
to Quality Health Care.
Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)
($ millions)
Forecast Spending 2005-2006
Planned Spending 2006-2007
Planned Spending 2007-2008
Planned Spending 2008-2009
Net expenditures
375.1
288.4
218.2
215.0
FTEs
717
627
604
588
Notes: The decrease in expenditures from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007 is mainly due to a decrease in the level of funding of
the Primary Health Care Transition Fund, the sunset of the Northern Health Supplement to the 2003 Health Accord, and the
Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) reduction.
The decrease in expenditures from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 is mainly due to the sunset of the Primary Health Care
Transition Fund. The decrease in expenditures from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009 is mainly due to a decrease in funding for the
Implementation of Health Canada's Therapeutic Access Strategy.
Figures include an amount for other departmental and regional infrastructure costs supporting program delivery.
Program Activity Description
The objective of this program activity is to provide policy advice and support to the Minister in making decisions to protect
and improve the health of Canadians. Health Canada supports the delivery of programs and services to Canadians by developing
policies and building and maintaining linkages with other partners to support health care system reform. We also work with
international organizations to advance a global health agenda and contribute Canadian expertise. This helps to ensure the health,
safety and security of Canadians in a healthier world. We provide a leadership role in strategic planning for the Department. We
administer the Canada Health Act, and work with provinces and territories on health care renewal and support. We work
with others to provide access to health care services for official language minority communities, and the interface between
different sectors of the health care system.
To ensure that all Canadians have access to health services when and where they need them, that the quality of those services
is continually improved, and that the system can provide the necessary care today and has the capacity to identify and adapt to
the emerging needs and challenges of tomorrow, we are focussing renewal efforts, amongst other things, on the health human
resources.
Another type of renewal effort is in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Legislation and Regulatory Renewal is an
opportunity to deliver a much anticipated, significant and modernized legislative framework for the Health Portfolio. Much of the
health protection legislation that forms Health Canada's regulatory base is out of date and not in line with modern technological
advancements or public expectations, leading to gaps in what is covered, inconsistencies in addressing health risks and inadequate
enforcement/compliance powers.
We provide policy advice and lead initiatives to advance women's health and to increase understanding of how gender interacts
with the other determinants of health to affect health outcomes of women, men, boys and girls over their lifespan.
We undertake research and analysis to improve the availability, quality and use of evidence in health policy decision-making.
We reach our goal by identifying future policy research needs, conducting extramural peer-reviewed policy research to meet these
needs, communicating the results within Health Canada and externally, and by providing the expertise and tools needed for a sound
and rigorous analysis of health policy options.
Our priorities
In addition to tracking emerging issues on an ongoing basis, we continue to actively participate in and collect invaluable
information from various scanning activities to help identify future risks to Canadians and challenges to Health Canada. It is
important to note that numerous external factors can influence our ability to focus exclusively on our priorities (e.g., the
increased attention to global preparedness and response to a possible pandemic influenza outbreak or coordinating relief efforts
for natural disasters). We intend to focus on the following priorities in 2006-2007:
Partner in health reform
In the 2004 Health Accord, federal, provincial and territorial governments committed to health system reforms that will improve
timely access to quality care. To support the Accord, the federal government is flowing $41 billion to provinces and territories
over ten years, including $5.5 billion to augment provincial/territorial existing investments and efforts in wait times reduction.
In December 2005, provincial and territorial governments announced a first set of ten common evidence-based benchmarks in the
areas such as cancer screening and care, cardiac surgery, hip and knee replacements and cataracts. Health Canada will work with
the provinces and territories on the development of a Patient Wait Times Guarantee. Care guarantees have been suggested by many
experts as one of the measures to reduce wait times.
We have made progress on all initiatives in the Accord and all governments are moving forward with their health system
reforms.Work is also continuing to implement 2004 Health Accord initiatives in the following areas:
implementing the Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals (IEHP) Initiative, which will provide additional funds
to accelerate and expand the assessment and integration of IEHPs for participating governments;
monitoring the commitment to provide first-dollar coverage by 2006 for certain home care services, based on assessed need,
including: two week provision of case management and intravenous medications related to discharge diagnosis, nursing and
personal care for short-term acute home care; two-week provision of case management and crisis response services for
short-term acute community mental health home care; and case management, nursing, palliative-specific pharmaceuticals and
personal services for end-of-life care;
working to ensure that the populations served by federal departments (specifically First Nations, Inuit and veterans) will
have access to the home care services specified in the Accord;
continuing to support the Best Practices Network for primary health care, which is facilitating information sharing and
addressing common barriers to progress; and
working with the Health Council whose mandate is to monitor and make annual public reports on the implementation of the 2003
First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal and to report on progress of the elements set out in the 2004 Health Accord.
In 2006-2007, we will continue to collaborate with our provincial and territorial counterparts as we implement commitments to
health care system reform. 1
The Primary Health Care Transition Fund (PHCTF) ($800 million over six years) is providing funding to the provinces and
territories to support their efforts in reforming their primary health care systems. One of the objectives of the primary health
care reform is to strengthen health promotion and prevention activities (both primary and secondary) within the sector so it can
help Canadians make healthy lifestyles choices and thereby reduce the incidence of conditions such as diabetes and cancer. With
PHCTF-funded initiatives concluding in 2006-2007, dissemination activities are planned to promote the uptake of knowledge and
results. In turn, these knowledge transfer activities will support ongoing reform activities.
In concert with other departments involved in the Action Plan on Official Languages, we will work towards implementing
administrative practices and policies to ensure that the enhanced accountability provisions of the Official Languages Act,
which were introduced in November 2005, will be reflected in the provision of health services to official language minority
communities across Canada.
Hepatitis C
The Government of Canada is committed to helping all those infected with hepatitis C. On July 25, 2006, the Prime Minister
announced that the government reached an agreement on the elements of a settlement for those Canadians who contracted hepatitis C
from the blood system before January 1, 1986 and after July 1, 1990.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Government of Canada will set aside nearly $1 billion in a special settlement fund. The
level of compensation will be based on the principle of parity with compensation already provided by the federal government for
those who were infected between 1986 and 1990.
Benefits will be paid on a present-value basis, meaning that class members will receive the entire sum of their compensation up
front, based on such factors as current disease level and probability of disease progression. This will also serve to minimize
administrative costs.
The Government of Canada will be working as quickly as possible to complete the steps needed before compensation is provided to
the class. A final detailed agreement needs to be completed, and must be approved by Courts in four jurisdictions. Furthermore, an
administrative structure must be set up to evaluate applications and forward payments. The federal government cannot control the
timing of every remaining step, however, all efforts will be made to ensure that this proceeds as quickly and as effectively as
possible.
Pandemic Influenza
Health security is a critical component of Canada's objectives for health policy, foreign policy and national security. The most
pressing challenge for health security at the current time is the threat of an influenza pandemic. As such, it is critical that
the Government of Canada is prepared for an influenza pandemic, and that work is undertaken with partners in the public and
private sectors domestically and internationally to strengthen preparedness throughout Canada.
The potential severity and impacts have resulted in unprecedented co-operation and collaboration on a global health issue. We
will continue to play an active role in preventing and preparing for avian and human pandemic influenza. This involves close
collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada, which is the public health lead for pandemic influenza preparedness in the
Government of Canada. We will strengthen preparedness in the Department's key areas of responsibility, such as First Nations and
Inuit health, the regulation of vaccines, and occupational health services for federal employees. We will also complete a business
continuity plan in the event of an influenza pandemic to ensure that support is provided for employees and that critical services
can continue to be delivered in the event of large-scale worker absenteeism.
We will also focus on international collaboration for avian and human pandemic influenza preparedness and response, which is a
critical element of Canada's domestic preparedness. Governments across the world have declared avian influenza to be a
"global threat", and have recognized that international collaboration is necessary in order to control the H5N1 avian
influenza outbreak, and to prepare for an influenza pandemic. Intensive efforts are underway through multilateral organizations
(e.g., World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization, World Organization for Animal Health) and through regional
organizations (e.g., Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Security and Prosperity Partnership in North America) and other fora
such as G8 to collaborate in preparedness efforts.
Mental Health
Mental health and well-being are fundamental to Canadian's quality of life, as well as our social and economic development. At the
same time, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders represent a significant
public health challenge, impacting as many as 1 in 5 Canadians and resulting in significant costs to the health care system,
society and the economy.
In May 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released a report on mental health, mental
illness and addiction in Canada. Entitled Out of the Shadows at Last, the report underscored the breadth of the challenge
associated with mental health, mental illness and addiction, as well as the need for governments to work together in addressing
this important issue. Canada is currently the only G7 country without a national strategy or action plan on mental health. The
federal government will work with its partners to build the foundation for a national approach to mental health and mental illness
in Canada.
Health Canada will also continue to support the development of sound mental health policies and programs within the federal
government, and among the provinces and territories. This includes ongoing improvements to the mental health programs, services
and support to First Nations and Inuit, as well as broader efforts to improve the mental health and well-being of all Canadians,
in areas such as research, information and knowledge exchange, and best practices.
Pharmaceuticals Management Strategy
Drug therapy is an increasingly important component of modern health care. Appropriately prescribed and used, pharmaceuticals can
improve health outcomes for individuals and reduce costs in other health care sectors, e.g., hospitals. The development of new
drugs has the potential for even greater benefits in the future. Despite their benefits, prescription drugs pose a number of
challenges related to equitable and affordable drug access, drug safety and effectiveness, optimal drug therapy, and health care
system sustainability. 2
Health Canada has a number of roles with respect to pharmaceuticals at different points in the drug life cycle, including at
the research and development, market approval, prescribing, access, utilization and reimbursement stages. In support of improved
health outcomes for Canadians and system sustainability, we will work to optimize these roles using available policy, regulatory
and program instruments to better integrate pharmaceuticals into a seamless, robust health care system. We will seek to capitalize
on opportunities in areas such as post-market drug safety and effectiveness, appropriate drug prescribing and use, and the drug
pricing and research role of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board.
We will also continue to work with the provinces and territories on pharmaceutical activities initiated as part of the 2004
Health Accord under the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy -- an integrated, collaborative, multi-pronged approach to addressing
pharmaceutical challenges that builds on governments' shared roles in the pharmaceuticals sector and previous collaborative
pharmaceutical initiatives. These activities will be linked, where appropriate, to federal initiatives to modernize the regulatory
system for therapeutic products and to integrated pharmaceuticals management among federal jurisdiction drug plans.
Legislative Renewal and Regulatory Reform
Under the Health Protection Legislative Renewal exercise, which responds to shortcomings in Health Canada's legislative basis for
health protection, Health Canada, with the Public Health Agency of Canada, continues to review its health protection legislation.
The review is intended to modernize and reinforce key existing legislation, namely the Food and Drugs Act (1953), the Hazardous
Products Act (1969) and the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (1969) through the development of enhanced health
protection legislation. The resulting legislative framework will serve to modernize and strengthen the existing federal laws
dealing with health protection and provide clear policy direction. As part of this exercise, the Department is also engaged in
reviewing the proposed legislation to determine whether to proceed with a single piece of legislation or to continue with a phased
approach as started by the expediting of the new Quarantine Act (2005).
Under the auspices of the Government of Canada's Smart Regulation initiative, Health Canada has been actively contributing to
the development of a series of policies, frameworks and tools aimed at modernizing the Canadian regulatory system so that it can
better respond to the challenges it currently faces (e.g., rapid scientific developments, globalization, or cross-boundary health
risks, etc.) The goal of the initiative is to build a robust and flexible regulatory system that not only maximizes health, safety
and environmental protection but also promotes an innovative economy.
This year, we will continue to coordinate the Department's input into a proposed Government Directive on Regulating (GDR),
which is intended to build on the existing Federal Regulatory Policy by promoting increased regulatory transparency, the alignment
of legislative and regulatory planning, and strategic coordination and collaboration with provincial, territorial and
international partners. 3
Establishment of the new Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada and new regulations
We will continue to work toward the implementation of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, including support to the Assisted Human
Reproduction Agency's successful establishment in Vancouver, B.C. in 2006-2007. The Agency will license and inspect activities
controlled under the Act. The recruitment process leading to Governor in Council appointments to the Agency's new board of
directors will be completed.
We are proceeding concurrently with the development of the components of the regulatory framework, which are required before
the Agency can implement the licensing and regulatory regime for activities controlled under the Act. The fact that very little
currently exists in terms of established guidelines, standards or regulations necessitates careful and comprehensive
consultations, to ensure that regulatory objectives are met while at the same time minimizing the regulatory burden on Canadians.
Regulations are expected to be promulgated in 2006-2007 to bring the last outstanding prohibition into effect and work will
continue to develop the remaining components of the regulatory framework to implement the Act.
Health Human Resources
The health care sector is labour intensive. Between 60 and 80 cents of every health care dollar in Canada is spent on health human
resources (HHR), and this does not include the costs of education. Currently, there are reported shortages for physicians, nurses
and other health care providers. HHR is one of the four cornerstones to support real health system change. Therefore, building
capacity in the system and providing adequate supply, distribution, and appropriate use of HHR is critical to reducing wait times
and improving timely access to health care.
Building on health human resource activities that support the 2003 Accord and the 2004 Ten-Year Plan, we will continue with the
implementation of the Health Human Resource Strategy through three broad initiatives (Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Planning;
Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice; and Recruitment and Retention) and the Internationally
Educated Health Care Professionals (IEHP) Initiative, which will provide additional funds to increase health care professional
supply through the acceleration and expansion of the assessment and integration of IEHPs for participating governments.
Role of science
It is through scientific discoveries and innovations that the greatest potential benefits for the health of Canadians lie.
Science also provides a foundation of evidence for policies and programs to improve the health of Canadians. In addition to work
in many health sciences policy areas, we will focus on the following areas in 2006-2007:
The dramatic increase in the development and use of genetic technologies in the health system has clear implications for the
sustainability of Canada's health care system in terms of potential new ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure thousands of
conditions. The development of new genomic-based drugs (pharmacogenomics) and diagnostics will also affect health care
delivery. We will undertake policy research and analysis to support federal discussions and action in both domestic and
international fora on issues such as pharmacogenomics, patent pooling in medical genetics, intellectual property issues
related to stem cell research, and the development and uptake of OECD guidelines on quality assurance in genetic testing. We
will also explore approaches to stimulate innovation and undertake analysis of various incentive mechanisms to spur research
and development to address health needs, including vaccine development.
We continue to be committed to working with our partners on early issue identification and the monitoring of emerging
technologies that impact the health of individuals, vulnerable populations and the overall health system. We will support the
development of evidence-based recommendations and strategies through continued collaborative work to support excellence in the
ethical conduct of human research in areas such as: research ethics education, quality improvement, the examination of models of
accreditation and the development of process standards for research ethics boards; policy development on good research practices
related to biobanking of human biological material samples; and the identification of potential societal impacts of
nanotechnology. 4
Human resources risks and challenges
The human resources challenges are very similar to those faced in other areas of the Department and even across the federal
government including staff turnover, retention and the recruitment of skilled and knowledgeable policy analysts. Given the extent
of our involvement in policy work and the importance of a viable policy capacity, these issues must be addressed to ensure we
maintain an adequate capacity to address future policy issues. Though we are heavily involved in recruitment programs (e.g.,
Economist and Sociologist Development Program), we continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining policy analysts, given
the competitive labour market in this area.
Horizontal linkages
We continue to manage and collaborate on horizontal files for the Department and build linkages within and outside of Health
Canada. For example, we manage and coordinate the Federal Inter-departmental Task Force on Mental Health.We also work across the
Health Portfolio to ensure that public health is integrated within our advice and support to the Minister.
Continuing on the horizontal policy research themes (Health Innovation, Research on Regulation, Healthy Communities and First
Nations and Inuit Health Sustainability) that resulted from the policy research priority setting exercise completed in 2004-2005,
cross Portfolio steering committees pertaining to each of the four priority themes were established under Memoranda of
Understanding (MOUs) among our branches and the Public Health Agency of Canada. These MOUs will guide our research efforts over
the next two to four years.
Since February 2004, the federal Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, including organs and tissues (IWG
TIP), with 14 federal departments and co-chaired by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice, was mandated to coordinate
federal efforts to address TIP and develop a federal strategy.We are the lead for the Health Portfolio and we continue to
coordinate the Portfolio's input while promoting a holistic approach to the inclusion of health, gender and diversity
considerations.
Performance Measurement Strategy
We continue to enhance our performance measurement to provide information on our activities. To streamline the numerous
reporting mechanisms, we adopted a new strategy, linking our activities directly to outcomes over the immediate (one to three
years), intermediate (three to five years) and long term for outcomes five years and beyond. This approach will support all of our
public reporting requirements including the Program Activity Architecture and the Departmental Performance Report. During this
reporting cycle, we will work towards collecting performance information to report on the period over the next three years.
The intermediate outcomes planned for the policy planning and research program activity identified below will be addressed in
various areas. As a result, a wide spectrum of activities across the Portfolio will be directed towards the same goal.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Goals and objectives identified for specific strategies and initiatives
Reflection of goals and objectives identified in workplans and priorities
Knowledge development and transfer of specific health policy issues
Dissemination of research (e.g, number and type of studies completed, number of requests for input, number of links
added to websites)
Assessment of knowledge development and transfer among governments and stakeholders
Key Programs and Services
Health Care System Policy
In September 2000, First Ministers agreed to continue to make primary health care reform a priority and indicated that
improvements to primary health care are crucial to the renewal of health services. In response to this commitment, the Government
of Canada announced the Primary Health Care Transition Fund (PHCTF), an $800 million investment from 2000-2001 to 2006-2007. The
Fund is supporting provinces, territories and various health care system stakeholders, via contribution agreements, in their
efforts to reform the primary health care system. More specifically, it will support the transitional costs of implementing
sustainable, large-scale primary health care renewal initiatives which will improve access, quality of care, accountability, and
integration of services. Although the PHCTF itself is time-limited, the main goal of the Fund is to bring about permanent and
sustainable changes to the organization, funding and delivery of primary health care services. The fund is supported by a federal,
provincial and territorial advisory group and Health Canada plays an active facilitation role to foster dialogue and knowledge
sharing between and among recipients (government and non-government). With PHCTF-funded initiatives concluding in 2006-2007, all
recipients will be submitting final reports including their evaluation reports, and dissemination activities are planned to
promote the uptake of knowledge and results. In 2004-2005 a mid-term evaluation of the PHCTF was conducted to assess program
structure and effectiveness. The final, or summative evaluation, will be conducted in 2006-2007 and will focus on the results and
impact of the PHCTF; it will be available in early 2007-2008.
Health Canada is also supporting knowledge transfer and the uptake of successful strategies the Best Practices Network (FMM
2004). The Primary Health Care Transition Fund will ensure the results and lessons learned of the program are shared for continued
progress in primary health care renewal. Planned activities include:
a series of synthesis papers highlighting the evidence in areas such as chronic disease management, information management,
collaborative care (i.e. teams) and evaluation methodology;
a series of fact sheets on the results and evidence of each initiative;
a national conference in February 2007; and
a database, accessible via Health Canada website, to be an ongoing resource for provinces/territories, stakeholders and the
public.
Several provincial and territorial governments have publicly committed to continuing the primary health care reforms begun
under the PHCTF.
Recognizing the evidence gap for quantitative data on primary health care in Canada, the PHCTF funded the Canadian Institute of
Health Information to develop a set of consensus-based national indicators. A legacy of the PHCTF will be the improved capacity
for evaluating primary health care. As well, the Health Council of Canada's monitors and reports publicly on primary health care
progress.
Note: With the exception of Quebec, all provinces and territories (and in fact all recipients) are required to
submit regular reports to Health Canada including narrative progress reports, financial reports, final reports on results and
final evaluation reports. These requirements are consistent with the Treasury Board Transfer Payment Policy and related
accountability requirements associated with contribution agreements.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Knowledge development and transfer of specific health policy issues
Dissemination of research (e.g, number/type of studies completed, number of requests for input, number of links added
to websites)
Assessment of knowledge development and transfer among governments and stakeholders
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
66.1
20
0.1
0
0.1
0
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Intergovernmental
Health Canada is responsible for the administration of the Canada Health Act (CHA), which involves monitoring a broad
range of sources to assess provincial and territorial compliance with the criteria and conditions of the Act, working in
partnership with provinces and territories to investigate and resolve CHA compliance issues, pursuing activities to encourage
provincial and territorial compliance with the CHA, providing policy advice and informing the Minister of possible non-compliance
with the Act, and recommending appropriate action.
The Department also provides strategic advice and coordination on a full range of Health Portfolio policy issues involving
collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, while ensuring that federal priorities are advanced.
Under the Official Languages Act and the Action Plan for Official Languages, we manage health contribution programs to
support the vitality of official language minority communities across Canada and ensure ongoing consultations with these
communities.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Knowledge development and transfer of specific health policy issues
Dissemination of research (e.g, number and type of studies complete, number of requests for input, number of links
added to websites)
Assessment of knowledge development and transfer among governments and stakeholders
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
44.0
64
29.8
64
29.8
64
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
International
Public health risks and threats originating beyond Canada's borders increasingly influence the health of Canadians.
International collaboration on global health policies and developments is of growing importance to the sustainability and
responsiveness of Canada's health system. Health Canada positions itself internationally to: anticipate and respond to
international health developments and their impact on Canadians and the health system; influence international health events and
fora to improve health globally; provide leadership on selected health issues such as pandemic preparedness, HIV/AIDS and tobacco;
and work with the multiplicity of players on the global health scene to advance health and health security.
In order to shape and strengthen the international agenda on health and health care issues, consistent with Canada's priorities
and values, we will continue to work in close cooperation with multilateral agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO)
and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Knowledge development and transfer of specific health policy issues
Dissemination of research (e.g, number and type of studies complete, number of requests for input, number of links
added to websites)
Assessment of knowledge development and transfer among governments and stakeholders
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
21.8
26
21.6
26
22.0
26
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Assisted Human Reproduction Implementation Office
Description: Set-up of Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
The Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Agency begins operations in 2006-2007.
Regulatory development - Consultations to continue on all remaining sections of the AHR Act in 2006-2007 to be followed
by drafting of regulations in preparation for prepublication in Canada Gazette Part I.
Progress towards the development of the Personal Health Information Registry.
Governor-in-Council appointments of candidates to board of directors completed.
Timely policy development papers and reports.
Consultations in support of regulatory development.
Draft regulations in preparation to be prepublished in Canada Gazette Part I.
Performance will be measured by state of approval of plans and assessments, and the stage of a test version of the
Registry.
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
4.9
29.8
3.3
22
1.6
8
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Legislation Renewal
Health Canada will continue the development of a proposal to replace the Food and Drugs Act(1953), parts of the Hazardous
Products Act (1969/safety of consumer and industrial products) and the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (1970), with a
new Health Protection Legislative framework. The objective of the new framework is to update, strengthen, and integrate federal
health protection legislation to be more responsive to present and future social and technological realities and provide the tools
needed to better protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Goals and objectives identified for specific strategies and initiatives
Reflection of goals and objectives identified in work plans and priorities
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
1.3
0
1.3
0
1.3
0
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Women's Health and Gender Analysis
Health Canada works horizontally to promote equitable health outcomes across the lifespan for women, men, boys and girls. It
provides leadership and oversight to: women's health; women's health research and information; gender based analysis; and, with a
diversity overlay, in policy development within the Health Portfolio. It funds the Centres of Excellence for Women's Health,
Canadian Women's Health Network as well as Research Working Groups, and collaborates with an expansive network of women's health
organizations and other stakeholders at the international, provincial and regional levels to engage the public in the policy
development process.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Knowledge development and transfer for specific health policy issues
Enhanced health policy research capacity (ongoing)
Dissemination of research (e.g., number and type of studies completed, number of requests for input, number of links
added to websites)
Assessment of knowledge development and transfer among governments and stakeholders
Number of hits to website
Assessment of health policy research capacity among governments and key stakeholders
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
4.9
19
4.9
19
4.9
19
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Applied Research, Dissemination and Accountability
In the area of applied research and analysis, we support policy decision-making by developing and implementing a strategic
policy research agenda for medium and long-term issues, helping co-ordinate internal and external policy research activities, and
funding extramural research under the Health Policy Research Program. This fosters a performance-based and outcomeoriented culture
by developing the tools and information base for better accountability. It plays a key role in knowledge management by managing a
policy research dissemination program, including publication of the Health Policy Research Bulletin, and by making core data sets
and the informatics tools to access them available.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Target audiences accessing data, analysis and information that is useful for evidence-based policy and program
development
Demonstrated impact of analytical and performance information and tools on policy and program development
Percentage of target population rating analytical and performance information and tools as useful
Percentage of new Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) releases made available
on time within Health Canada
Number of data files and publication made available on the Department's electronic data and information system
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
4.9
60
36.6
60
36.6
60
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Endnotes
1 www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/ fptcollab/2004-fmm-rpm/index_e.html 2 For more information on these challenges, see the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy Progress
Report, summer 2006. 3 www.regulation.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E& Page=thegovernementdirectiveon 4 Nanotechnology is defined as the application of science to develop new materials and products,
where at least one dimension is smaller than 100 nm, and involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometre scale - a nanometre
(nm) is a billionth of a metre (10-9m), or a hundred times smaller than a virus.
Other programs and services that contribute to this program activity total $140.5 million for 2006-2007.
Strategic Outcome: Access to Safe and Effective Health Products and Food and Information for Healthy Choices
Program Activity - Health Products and Food
This program activity contributes to the Government of Canada Strategic Outcome: Healthy Canadians with Access to Quality
Health Care.
Planned spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs)
($ millions)
Forecast Spending 2005-2006
Planned Spending 2006-2007
Planned Spending 2007-2008
Planned Spending 2008-2009
Gross expenditures
294.6
303.3
300.4
289.3
Less: Expected respendable revenues
37.7
41.2
41.2
41.2
Net expenditures
256.9
262.1
259.2
248.1
FTEs
2,503
2,592
2,667
2,656
Notes: The increase in expenditures from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007 is mainly due to an increase in the level of funding for
Strengthening the Safety of Drugs, and is partially offset by a decrease in funding for the Implementation of Health
Canada's Therapeutic Access Strategy and the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) reduction.
The decrease in expenditures from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 is mainly due to the sunset of funding for Health Canada's
Response to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Areas of Risk Management and Targeted Research. The decrease in expenditures
from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009 is mainly due to decrease in funding for the Implementation of Health Canada's Therapeutic
Access Strategy, and the sunset of a transfer from Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada for the Agriculture Policy Framework.
The change in the FTEs is due to the increase of the salary component of the operating budget.
Figures include an amount for other departmental and regional infrastructure costs supporting program delivery.
Program Activity Description
As Canada's federal authority responsible for the regulation of health products and food, Health Canada evaluates and monitors
the safety, quality and effectiveness of the thousands of drugs, vaccines, medical devices, natural health products and other
therapeutic products available to Canadians, as well as the safety and nutritional quality of their food. Under this program
activity we also review veterinary drugs sold in Canada for safety and effectiveness for animals, and for the safety of foods
derived from animals treated with these drugs. Finally, we promote the health and well being of Canadians through a broad range of
activities related to health products and food, including developing nutrition policies and standards such as Canada's Food Guide
to Healthy Eating.
A core federal health protection responsibility is the regulation of therapeutic products under the legislative framework of
the Food and Drugs Act. The federal government's role in protecting health and safety is well recognized and supported by
Canadians. However, the regulatory system for drugs and other therapeutic products is facing a number of challenges, including:
rapidly advancing science and technology; public expectations for access, safety and transparency; improving linkages to health
system decision-making regarding coverage for, and cost of, pharmaceuticals and related products in current systems; and meeting
industry demands for faster approvals and increased intellectual property protection.
There is strong evidence of rising rates of acute and chronic disease directly associated with diet (e.g., diabetes among
Canadians). While Canadians are increasingly aware of the threats to their health from factors like poor diet, physical inactivity
and excessive weights, work and leisure patterns in our society have changed, making us less active and more reliant on foods high
in energy which is contributing to increasing rates of chronic disease. With respect to food safety, emergence of new foodborne
pathogens and emerging infectious diseases (e.g., avian influenza), and the threat of bioterrorism (e.g., linked to botulism),
have increased consumer expectations in Canada and abroad for the role of governments in ensuring the quality and safety of
Canada's food supply.
In moving forward, there is a need to continue to modernize legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with changing
science, consumer expectations, international developments and other pressures for change. To ensure an integrated approach, it is
suggested that a long-term plan to modernize the regulatory system for therapeutic products be developed, based on a vision to
improve access to safe, effective and affordable drugs and other therapeutic products. To strengthen collaboration with provincial
and territorial governments in their health system and drug plan management roles, this plan needs to be strongly linked to the
National Pharmaceuticals Strategy. From the perspective of food and nutrition, Health Canada will continue to work with Health
Portfolio partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other partners to provide leadership on food policy issues in order to
improve health outcomes for Canadians and reduce the burden on the health care system.
Health Canada relies heavily on science and risk management in making our regulatory and policy decisions. As scientific
knowledge and technical expertise are critical inputs into the development of our regulations, policies and advice, we will
continue to conduct laboratory-based research. We will focus on the human health implications of potentially hazardous chemicals
in the food supply, including effects on behaviour and the immune system; conditions leading to the survival, growth and toxin
production of infectious and toxigenic bacteria; awareness of hazard-prone foods; establishment of safe levels to prevent human
injury; and risks and benefits associated with nutrients in the diet. We will also continue to conduct research in areas related
to the safety and effectiveness of biotherapeutics, blood and blood products, and vaccines.
Health Canada faces a pressing challenge in sustaining our human resources. It is estimated that within the next five years a
significant number of our employees in the specialized and technical fields, which includes biologists, chemists and medical
officers, will be eligible for retirement.We will continue to address this through our human resources planning.
We are working with federal science and technology partners to promote and protect the health and safety of Canadians. Some of
our work includes collaborating directly with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to develop responsive food policies and regulations, such as Canada's
Strategy for Safe Food. We are also working with CFIA to promote food safety as a science priority for Canada. Our ongoing work
with Statistics Canada and PHAC is enabling us to collaborate on public health data surveys as well as to share information that
is important in our ongoing analysis of and preparation for potential health risks associated with emerging diseases.
Internationally, Health Canada is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other multilateral organizations on
health product and food safety issues. We are also working with other governments to strengthen and promote broader regulatory
cooperation and encourage technical information exchange. We will continue to implement the commitments in the Security and
Prosperity Partnership of North America, including hosting discussions on pharmaceutical review processes, food safety regulatory
coordination, assessment and enhanced surveillance research with related agencies in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Bilaterally, we
will work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through our memorandum of understanding, and on initiatives such as the
development of a single set of reference values for nutrition labelling and improving the compatibility between our approaches to
food fortification.
Health Canada's regional offices contribute to the delivery of our mandate by developing and delivering key programs and
services, including monitoring risks, and the investigation and inspection associated with the importation, sale and manufacture
of health products. Working directly with regional stakeholders and provincial and municipal governments, regional offices promote
and facilitate consultation and collaboration.1
These partnerships are allowing our regional offices to participate in the monitoring of adverse reactions and assist in
developing policy responses on food safety, nutrition, natural health products, antimicrobial resistance, and the efficacy of
health products. Further, regional laboratories are increasing our science capacity to develop and manage food safety research and
surveillance projects on natural toxins, genetically modified food, food allergen detection, method development and nutrition as
part of the national laboratory network. Two of these laboratories are also supporting our responsibilities to ensure manufacturer
compliance with regulatory requirements for health products.
Performance Measurement Strategy
The Performance Measurement Strategy for this strategic outcome will help us measure our expected results over time, and
determine if our current program activity is appropriate to ensure Canadians have access to safe and effective health products and
food, as well as to provide useful information for healthy choices.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Access to Safe and Effective Health Products and Food and Information for Healthy Choices
Level of satisfaction of Canadians and health professionals with the information disseminated for healthy choices and
informed decision-making
Incidence of foodborne illnesses (where food is the causative agent)
Key Programs and Services
Pre-market evaluation and regulatory process improvement
Description: Making regulatory functions more efficient, effective, and responsive to Canadians by
streamlining processes and collaborating more closely with other organizations to ensure Canada continues to have a world class
regulatory environment.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved timeliness, transparency and predictability of the regulatory process
Percentage of overall workload in backlog and percentage of decisions issued within target for submission reviews of:
-pharmaceuticals -biologics -food additives, packaging, chemical contaminants, novel foods and nutritional submission
processing*
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
125.8
1,164.3
124.4
1,198.0
119.1
1,193.1
* Data is collected and reported quarterly. Our commitment is to meet 90% of performance targets for new pharmaceutical
drug submission reviews by March 2006, and for new biologic drug submissions by March 2007. Baseline data for expected
performance results is available within current tracking systems and internal records.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Health Canada will contribute to regulatory renewal through improving regulatory performance and modernizing the regulatory
system. 2 For example, given the
increasing number and complexity of drug submissions, the initiatives under the Therapeutics Access Strategy will continue to
reduce and eliminate submission backlogs, enabling us to meet our performance targets for pharmaceuticals in March 2006 and
biologics and genetic therapies by March 2007. 3
In addition, we are reducing submission times for veterinary drugs and have set service standards dependent on submission type.
These milestones will be met by enhancing human resources capacity and increasing international collaboration and cooperation as
well as adopting and applying project management techniques. The Community of Federal Regulators, a partnership of all federal
departments and agencies that have a regulatory role, is working to meet the requirements of the proposed new Government Directive
on Regulating and Smart Regulations. 4
We will continue to develop and apply innovative approaches to the regulation of health products and food to improve and
sustain the timeliness and efficiency of the regulatory process to address the concerns of Canadians regarding safety,
effectiveness and access. We will develop new regulatory approaches for radio-pharmaceuticals used for diagnosis and radiation
therapy; for product-specific health claims for foods; for drug product licensing to support early access to promising drug
therapies; and for a national approach to clinical trials. As well, a new external charging regime will be developed as part of a
long term funding strategy to ensure adequate resources to sustain regulatory performance for human and veterinary drugs and other
therapeutic products. We will begin to review regulations that require the pre-market safety assessment and authorization of foods
and food products before they can be offered for sale.
As part of Health Canada's initiative to strengthen the safety system for therapeutic products, we will strengthen the
oversight of clinical trials and investigational testing of medical devices conducted in Canada, access points for patients to new
and innovative therapies. The trials and investigational testing provide the evidence of safety and efficacy required by the
Regulations before a product may receive a general market authorization from Health Canada. The Department will increase capacity
in 2006-2007 to allow the continued assessment of an increased number of applications within targeted time-frames; strengthen
capacity to assess clinical trial and investigational testing of adverse reaction reports in order to detect, communicate and act
on safety signals; and engage sponsors earlier in the clinical trials process. Moreover, through the safety initiative, Health
Canada will update the national standards for blood and for cells, tissues and organs, while continuing to develop and implement
an appropriate regulatory framework for these components. A program for compliance inspections of establishments will also be
implemented.
Health Canada will work with the federal, provincial and territorial health and agriculture agencies involved in administering
the national food safety system to better respond to current and emerging food safety issues. A major initiative will be Canada's
Strategy for Safe Food. It engages federal, provincial and territorial governments, industry, academia and consumer groups to
improve the overall management of the food safety system in Canada by developing a common vision and national priorities, and
national public health outcomes, targets and indicators.
We will continue to lead development of a federal Biotechnology Stewardship Framework to encourage an integrated approach to
managing the risks and benefits of biotechnology products and services in the public interest.
Information, education and outreach on health products, food and nutrition
Description: Responding to the growth of Canadian public interest in health issues by disseminating more
information, written in language that is easy to understand, on how Canadians can maintain and improve their health.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved adoption in making safe and healthy choices for health products, food and nutrition
Percentage of target populations using information in their decision-making*
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
13.1
93.6
13.0
96.3
12.4
95.9
* Data is analysed and reported every two years. Health Canada will conduct a survey to assess the rate at which people
use information to make health related choices. The target and actual rate will be determined in 2006-2007. The date to
achieve the target is April 2008.
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Health Canada will continue to provide useful information about the risks and benefits related to health products and food in
order to help Canadians make informed decisions about their health. For example, we will develop food labelling policies as part
of an integrated health and food safety policy tool kit that will be capable of responding more quickly and effectively to current
and emerging health and food safety challenges. MedEffect, part of the initiative to strengthen the therapeutic products safety
system, will enable us to maintain a website for posting safety alerts, public health advisories, press releases and notices for
health professionals, consumers and other interested parties. 5
A similar website has been developed for veterinary drugs. 6
Also, as part of the overall effort to better inform Canadians, Health Canada will continue to provide balanced information on
newer technologies and their applications, including biotechnology and nano-technology.
Promoting and supporting healthy eating and informing Canadians about risks related to the food supply are key in helping them
to maintain and improve their health. For instance, Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating plays an important role in communicating
healthy eating to Canadians. In 2006, a revised Food Guide will be completed and disseminated along with supporting materials,
including a resource for intermediaries and a web-based interactive component. The Food Guide is being revised to ensure the
guidance it offers continues to promote a pattern of eating that meets nutrient needs, promotes health, and minimizes the risk of
nutrition-related chronic diseases. At the same time, the revision will strive to improve Canadians' understanding and application
of the Food Guide.
Health Canada is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada to advance the healthy eating component of the Integrated
Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease with a focus on multisectoral leadership and collaboration nationally and
internationally. In addition, through this initiative Health Canada will develop nationally agreed upon nutrition indicators and
targets, enhance efforts in knowledge development, synthesis and exchange, as well as develop and enhance nutrition surveillance
capacity.
In 2006, an interactive Nutrition Label tool on the Health Canada website will be launched to help Canadians make informed
choices about the foods they eat. 7
The tool will explain how the information on the new food label, which became mandatory on most prepackaged foods in December
2005, can be used to make healthy food choices. Enhancing awareness of nutrition labelling will also be accomplished through
related initiatives such as the launch of the revised Canada's Food Guide.
Monitoring safety and therapeutic effectiveness and risk management
Description: Increasing the responsiveness to specific public health issues through the development of
monitoring and surveillance systems and stronger compliance and enforcement activities.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Strengthened vigilance over safety and therapeutic effectiveness for health products and food on the market
Overall rating of Health Canada's post-market safety and therapeutic effectiveness activities*
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
104.8
1,171.3
103.7
1,205
99.2
1,200.3
* Health Canada's performance will be assessed through surveys, compliance rates and statistical analysis of adverse
reaction data. Results from surveys such as those conducted by the Canadian Hemophilia Society will be reviewed as they are
available. 8 Target of 95% compliance from
inspections based on internal records has been set for health products. Implementation of new technologies will be used to
meet internally harmonized standards for adverse reaction reports by 2007.
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Recognizing the cross cutting nature of nutritionrelated surveillance activities, we will continue to transfer knowledge and
build capacity needed for creating and improving evidence-based policies, programs and community interventions in collaboration
with the following partners: Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research,
and stakeholder organizations such as the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Group on Nutrition, the Network on Healthy Eating and the
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) User's Group. Specific activities in 2006-2007 will include the approval of national
nutrition indicators, the dissemination of a user's guide to assist nutrition stakeholders with the interpretation of the CCHS
nutrition data, and the dissemination of a themed report on Food Security using CCHS data. 9
The 2006-2007 Canadian Health Measures Survey conducted by Statistics Canada will help increase Health Canada's capacity to
monitor determinants of healthy eating. For example, the results of the survey will help decision-making related to the
fortification of foods and the assessment of the prevalence of nutrition-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease and
diabetes.
Health Canada will implement new safety measures to strengthen post-market surveillance activities designed to improve real
world safety and effectiveness that are linked to the National Pharmaceutical Strategy. We have developed and used the Canadian
Adverse Drug Reaction Information System to monitor suspected adverse reactions to health products. With significant advancements
in technology and the establishment of international standards for data transmission, we will obtain and begin the implementation
of a new and advanced adverse reaction monitoring system. The system will enable the collection and assessment of adverse reaction
reports which span the entire life-cycle of health products, from pre-market testing to postmarket use, and will improve the
overall efficiency of processing, managing and assessing adverse reaction reports. The system will comply with international
standards recommended by the International Conference on Harmonization. For veterinary drugs, we have developed an adverse drug
reaction reporting system and plan to develop a closer link between pre-market and post-market activities. In addition, Health
Canada will consult with stakeholders and Environment Canada to develop environmental assessment regulations to help minimize the
effects of therapeutic products on the environment.
Clinical trials require compliance inspections to protect people enrolled in them as well as the integrity and accuracy of the
data that supports the application for new drugs bound for market. Through the initiative to strengthen the safety system, the
number of clinical trial inspections in 2006-2007 will be increased to 60, equivalent to 1.5% of all clinical trials, with a view
to achieving the international level of 2% in future years. This objective was recommended by the Standing Committee on Health in
2004. 10
Health Canada will continue to work with PHAC to implement the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan and to support the WHO's Global
Agenda for Influenza Surveillance and Control. The Department will spend $6.2 million over 5 years, as well as $1.2 million
ongoing, for planning and preparedness activities, providing regulatory guidance during the development of a prototype vaccine,
developing a regulator's emergency implementation plan and designing an accelerated approval process.
Transparency, public accountability and stakeholder relationships
Description: Bringing more transparency to our decision-making processes by providing more accessible
information about the science underpinning our decisions. Health Canada is also strengthening its capacity to involve the public
in decisionmaking that in the past have been limited to scientific experts.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved public confidence and trust in the safety of health products, food and the regulatory system
Level of public confidence of safety of health products, food, and nutrition
Level of public confidence of safety of health products, food, and nutrition
Percentage of stakeholders who hold a positive view on HPFB's transparency and openness regarding regulation of health
products and food
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
18.3
163.0
18.1
167.7
17.4
167.0
The progress of public confidence will be monitored with the aim of maintaining or increasing this level. The goal is to
attain 85% of stakeholders holding a positive view on transparency and openness initiatives related to health products and
food. Feedback from stakeholders will be sought as part of consultation activities to learn and improve over time.
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Incorporating the views of citizens and stakeholders is critical for effective regulation in the public interest. Maintaining
and strengthening public confidence is especially important in a world where the accelerating rate of scientific and technological
advances carries both benefits and risks. Public confidence in the regulatory system, particularly as it applies to healthrelated
products and services, is a prerequisite for ensuring that new and sustainable health innovations are available to and used by
Canadians. As such, Health Canada is developing new tools to improve the transparency and openness of our regulatory system
including convening national consultations and public forums on therapeutic health product and food safety issues important to
Canadians, as well as developing and updating food safety guidelines, and assuring that new substances used in health products
meet Canada's environmental assessment requirements.
Health Canada's Office of Paediatric Initiatives will serve as a focal point for an integrated approach to child health and
safety issues across a number of regulatory areas, including food and nutrition and the safety and effectiveness of health
products. The Office will bring together internal and external stakeholders to focus on these issues. The intended result for
Canadians is improved, accessible information on the safety and effectiveness of health products used in children and on safe and
nutritious food for them to consume.
In its April 2004 report, the Standing Committee on Health recommended that Canada introduce measures to ensure public
confidence in the clinical trial process, starting with the disclosure of information about clinical trials through a public
database. An External Working Group was formed to develop options for the registration and disclosure of clinical trial
information. Further consultations will be held over the next year and will be informed by international efforts to create a
harmonized approach to clinical trial registration and disclosure. 13
This process will allow for improved public access to meaningful clinical trial information while respecting the need for patient
privacy and commercial confidentiality.
Endnotes
1 The Ayurvedic Medicine Information Session, Dietary Guidance Regional Consultations,
MedEffect Information Session, and Regional Stakeholder Food Forum. 2 www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/smartreg-regint/en/08/rpt_fnl.pdf 3 Numbers of Health Canada clinical trial applications and medical device investigational testing
applications
Strategic Outcome: Reduced Health and Environmental Risks from Products and Substances, and Safer Living and
Working Environments
Program Activity - Healthy Environments & Consumer Safety
This program activity contributes to the Government of Canada Strategic Outcome: Healthy Canadians with Access to Quality
Health Care.
Planned spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs)
($ millions)
Forecast Spending 2005-2006
Planned Spending 2006-2007
Planned Spending 2007-2008
Planned Spending 2008-2009
Gross expenditures
289.9
305.4
301.9
302.3
Less: Expected respendable revenues
12.0
15.4
15.7
16.0
Net expenditures
277.9
289.9
286.2
286.3
FTEs
1,927
1,956
1,963
1,966
Notes: The increase in expenditures from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007 is mainly due to an increase in the
level of funding for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which is partially offset by the Expenditure Review
Committee (ERC) reduction.
The decrease in expenditures from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 is mainly due to a sunset of funding for Implementing the Border
Air Quality Strategy and Related Air Quality Measures initiative. This decrease is partially offset by an increase in the
level of funding for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Figures include an amount for other departmental and regional infrastructure costs supporting program delivery.
Program Activity Description
This program activity touches many elements of day-to-day living that have an impact on the health of Canadians. These include
drinking water safety, air quality, radiation exposure, substance use and abuse (including alcohol), consumer product safety,
tobacco and secondhand smoke, workplace health, and chemicals in the workplace and in the environment. We are also engaged in
other health and safety related activities including the Government's public safety and anti-terrorism initiatives; chemical and
nuclear emergency preparedness; inspection of food and potable water for the travelling public; and health contingency planning
for visiting dignitaries. Much of this work is governed through legislation including the Food and Drugs Act, the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act, the Hazardous Products Act, the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, the Tobacco Act, the Quarantine Act and others.
The Canadian public and governments are increasingly recognizing the critical link between human health, the physical
environment and the economy. There is growing evidence that environmental factors, hazardous products, tobacco, alcohol and
controlled substances contribute to a number of health problems including cancer, asthma and other illnesses and injuries which
ultimately will have an impact on our health care system and society as a whole.
Building on our work to help protect the health of Canadians and in accordance with the principles of sustainable development,
we will generate new research, partnerships and increased federal leadership to improve health outcomes, particularly for
vulnerable populations such as children and young adults by:
Reducing health and safety risks associated with tobacco consumption and the abuse of drugs, alcohol and other controlled
substances; and
Reducing risks to health and safety, and improving protection against harm associated with workplace and environmental
hazards, consumer products (including cosmetics), radiation-emitting devices, new chemical substances and products of
biotechnology.
From a health protection perspective, the Department will continue to focus on regulatory priorities such as Legislation
Renewal and its impacts on the Hazardous Products Act, and we will also address regulations in the area of tobacco and
other controlled substances. We will continue to improve national compliance and enforcement programs so they are effective,
riskbased, and harmonized with provincial, territorial and international partners and stakeholders.
To protect the health of Canadians, we will continue to advance science and use evidence-based research to formulate our health
promotion and harm prevention programs and policies. Health Canada will conduct research and use the science conducted by a
network of external science organizations to respond to emerging health and safety challenges to Canadians. We will create a
science plan which will outline the strategic scientific directions for our five key program areas for the coming years and we
will continue to work closely with a number of other federal departments and agencies on common science-based issues, such as
water.
We rely on professionals with expertise in applied sciences (e.g., toxicology, epidemiology, biology) and in both occupational
and public health (e.g., nurses, medicine, psychologists, industrial hygienists) to achieve our key results for Canadians. The
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch must compete with other organizations to attract highly qualified scientists and
health professionals. To address this risk, we will develop and implement a Human Resources Strategy focussed on succession
planning, learning, recruitment and retention in order to ensure we have the human resources to support our activities under this
strategic outcome.
The broad mandate under this strategic outcome requires sustained partnerships that have a significant impact on the health of
Canadians. For example, Health Canada is the lead on horizontal files that require significant interdepartmental collaboration,
such as Canada's Drug Strategy. We contribute significantly to the Government of Canada's efforts on health and environment
issues. For example, we share responsibility for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act with Environment Canada. We
also work closely with Environment Canada on files such as climate change.
Internationally, we will continue to advance some of our key work with the U.S. on a range of issues such as children's health
and the environment, sound risk-management of chemicals and the Canada-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Consumer Product
Safety.
Within the Health Portfolio, the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch works in partnership with the Public Health
Agency of Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, and Health Products and Food Branch to achieve integrated approaches to
health. We also collaborate with the provinces and territories through various committees to develop guidelines on issues such as
safe drinking water and to coordinate nuclear emergency preparedness actvities.
Performance Measurement Strategy
Expected Results Branch PAA
Performance Indicators
Reduced risks to health and safety, and improved protection against harm associated with workplace and environmental
hazards and consumer products (including cosmetics)
Percentage of federal public employees remaining at work through and following an injury, illness or traumatic
incident
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Statistics on leave, accommodation and injury in the workplace
Level of client satisfaction with occupational health and contingency planning services
Client satisfaction surveys
Percentage of Canadians who are aware that their health can be affected by environmental factors
Level of reported incidences of product related deaths and injuries associated with: Consumer Products; Cosmetics;
Workplace Chemicals; New Chemical Substances; Products of Biotechnology; Radiation- Emitting Devices; Environmental
Noise; Solar UV Radiation.
Reduced health and safety risks associated with tobacco consumption and the abuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances
Prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Canada
Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey Smoking prevalence in Canada
Reduce smoking prevalence from 25% to 20%, Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey
Key Programs and Services
Tobacco Control
Description: As lead department for the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy, Health Canada supports the four
pillars of prevention, cessation, protection and harm reduction. Health Canada works with partners to pilot and evaluate a range
of stop smoking approaches. For instance, the Department develops and implements national and regional education campaigns that
inform Canadians about the health impacts of smoking and that provide information and referrals to help more Canadians quit
smoking, and reduce exposure to second hand smoke in public and private spaces. On the international front, Health Canada, through
its International Affairs Directorate, supports tobacco control initiatives around the globe.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Reduce smoking prevalence among the Canadian population to 20%
Reduce number of cigarettes sold in Canada by 30%
Smoking prevalence rate
Measured by Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS)
Consumption rates - number of cigarettes sold in Canada
Measured by industry reports
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
53.8
282
53.6
282
53.7
282
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Key Initiatives
As part of our commitment to monitor and report on the progress and success of the tobacco control initiative, Health Canada
will conduct an evaluation of the first five years of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy. In order to determine the direction
for tobacco control over the next five years, the Department will analyse the outcomes from strategic planning sessions and
consultations held with partners during the previous fiscal year. The knowledge derived from this evaluation will help us to most
effectively focus Tobacco Control resources and activities for the future.
While considerable inroads have been made in reaching our targets and reducing smoking prevalence to 20% of the population,
certain segments of the Canadian population continue to experience persistently high tobacco use, and further improvements to the
smoking prevalence rate will depend upon addressing tobacco use among this population. Historically, young adults aged 20 to 24
have had the highest rates of smoking as compared with rates for all other age groups in the Canadian population, and this trend
continues. For the first half of 2005, the smoking prevalence for those aged 20 to 24 was 27% as compared to 20% for the entire
population 15 years of age and older (CTUMS). Therefore, the Department will focus its attention on youth and young adults who are
most at risk of smoking, and will work with the provinces and territories to identify appropriate interventions and future
directions for this important demographic. We will also provide support for targeted prevention and cessation activities of the
no-smoking message through youth engagement initiatives, such as Health Canada's "Youth Action Committee on Tobacco",
which will engage youth from across the country to help young people in their schools and communities live smoke-free.
Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances
Description: Health Canada administers the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and its
regulations, develops harm reduction and promotion strategies to combat alcohol and drug abuse (including health promotion
activities targeted at youth), and provides expert scientific advice and drug analysis services to law enforcement agencies.
Health Canada leads Canada's Drug Strategy, which was renewed in 2003. The Strategy is designed to coordinate and enhance
substance abuse programs across the country, and strengthen knowledge and partnerships in the areas of prevention, treatment, harm
reduction and enforcement to create healthier Canadians and communities.
Health Canada uses a variety of partnerships and funding vehicles to fulfill its mandate in this area. The Drug Strategy
Community Initiatives Fund (DSCIF) was recently established to fund initiatives at the national, regional, provincial/territorial
and local levels in two broad areas: health promotion and prevention, and harm reduction. DSCIF is delivered through Health
Canada's national and regional offices and Northern Secretariat, with an overall aim to address problematic substance use and to
promote public awareness of alcohol and other drug issues. The Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (ADTR) aims
to improve treatment for women and youth who are dealing with substance abuse problems. Health Canada also provides funding for
the treatment component of Drug Treatment Courts.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Reduced health and safety risks associated with the abuse of drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances by managing
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its Regulations, and providing national leadership for Canada's Drug
Strategy.
Reduced prevalence rate of substance use/abuse in Canada and among target populations such as youth
Level of misuse/abuse of controlled substances
Change in the type and level of health-related, at-risk behaviours
Change in the nature and level of the social, health and economic costs associated with substance use and abuse in
Canada
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
65.1
347
64.8
347
65.0
347
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Key Initiatives
Advancing the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in
Canada continues. Key planned components include the initiation of the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey; the
development of a National Alcohol Strategy; the implementation of the National Strategy to Combat the Production and Distribution
of Marihuana and Synthetic Drugs and the Diversion of Precursor Chemicals; the development of a national and integrated approach
to psychotropic pharmaceuticals; and the establishment of single website access to information about Canada's Drug Strategy. There
will be an increase in research done in Canada on drug and alcohol abuse, and a detailed analysis of the Canadian Addiction Survey
(CAS) of unique components (e.g., alcohol, youth, etc.) in order to support sound, evidence-based decision-making.
We will develop a strategy to enhance our inspection capacity for compliance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
(CDSA) and its regulations, in particular the Precursor Control Regulations. From a regional perspective, we will work on the
provincial Alberta Methamphetamine Partnership Strategy Committee on Illicit Drug Use.
Marihuana is categorized as a controlled substance. The Marihuana Medical Access Regulations allow people who are suffering
from grave and debilitating illnesses access to marihuana. It is important to note that the Regulations deal exclusively with the
medical use of marihuana. Through authority of the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations, we will proceed with the development of a
pilot project to assess the feasibility of distributing marihuana for medical purposes through the conventional pharmacy-based
drug distribution system.
Safe Environments
Description: The environment continues to be a key determinant of health for all Canadians. Recent studies
demonstrate that environmental factors contribute to a number of health problems. Air pollution, for example, is a factor in 5,900
deaths per year in Ontario and is responsible for 30% of asthma and 5% of cancers in children. Improving the health of Canadians
by addressing environmental factors will strengthen their quality of life. The Safe Environments Programme promotes and protects
the health of Canadians by identifying, assessing and managing health risks posed by environmental factors in living, working and
recreational environments. The scope of activities encompassed within this area includes research on drinking water, air quality,
contaminated sites, climate change, and vulnerable populations assessment of risks from environmental impacts, as well as
preparedness for environmental emergencies. Health Canada is also the lead for coordinating Canada's preparedness for nuclear
emergencies under the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Availability and Canada-wide adoption of measures to control the risks to human health posed by environmental
contaminants
Increased knowledge, understanding and involvement by Canadians in environmental health issues
Science-based decision-making within Canada regarding health risks of environmental contaminants**
Improved scientific knowledge and capacity within the Canadian scientific community and international collaboration on
environmental health issues to ensure that Canadians have increased confidence in environmental health information and
protection mechanisms*
Percentage of completion of legislated obligations and other commitments
Percentage of Canadians who are aware that their health can be affected by environmental factors
** Please Note: Work is in progress to develop a better set of indicators for these expected results by Fall 2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
68.4
576
68.1
582
68.3
584
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Key Initiatives
Health Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy (2004-2007) reflects our commitment to protect the health of Canadians from
environmental threats. Under this strategy, the department will advance the development of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking
Water Quality, and an integrated source-to-tap approach to drinking water quality in Canada. In collaboration with other federal
departments, Health Canada will develop a "Federal Waterborne Contamination and Illness Response Protocol" to ensure a
coordinated and systematic federal approach to dealing with outbreaks of waterborne illness and contamination of drinking water.
Health Canada is also partnering with all three levels of government on the Technical Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water
(TACSDW) to effectively address public health issues pertaining to drinking water in Alberta.
To assist in monitoring health risks attributable to changes in air quality, the Department will continue to build on its
recently completed collaborative international research to develop an Air Health Indicator and will release the Air Quality
Benefits Assessment Tool to help quantify the health impacts of changes in air pollution. In particular, the Safe Environments
Programme in Ontario and Region is working to support the Canada-United States Border Air Quality Strategy, and will examine the
impacts of air pollution on the health of children and other vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and diabetics, in the
Great Lakes Basin region. Health Canada will also complete and disseminate the Canadian Climate Change and Health Vulnerability
Assessment in 2007, which will assess climate change impacts on human health and well-being.
To protect the health of Canadians from environmental contaminants, Health Canada will make additional progress under the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) by completing the identification and prioritization ("categorization") of
the 23,000 Existing Substances on the Domestic Substances List. The Domestic Substances List (DSL) is a compilation of about
23,000 substances used, imported or manufactured in Canada for commercial use.
In partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada and working through the joint Emergency Preparedness Sub-Committee on
Chemical Emergencies, we will develop a joint Health Portfolio response plan for chemical emergencies in 2006 - 2007. Health
Canada is also working with its provincial counterparts to strengthen guidelines to protect the health of Canadians in the event
of a nuclear emergency, and will be participating in international nuclear emergency exercises to assess the implications of
implementing radiation contamination counter-measures.
Product Safety
Description: As part of our legislative mandate, Health Canada identifies, assesses, manages and communicates
to Canadians the health and safety hazards and health risks associated with: consumer products; hazardous workplace materials;
cosmetics; new chemical substances; products of biotechnology; radiation produced by radiation emitting devices; environmental
noise; and solar UV radiation.
To carry out this mandate, we advance critical research, carry out needed risk assessments and develop risk management
strategies to minimize the exposure of Canadians to toxic substances in consumer, commercial, personal care and pharmaceutical
products. The Department annually carries out health risk assessments of approximately 800 new chemicals and products of
biotechnology notified under the New Substances Notification Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. When
a significant risk is identified, control measures are imposed.We identify which of the Food and Drugs Act substances in Canadian
commerce between 1987 and September 2001 require priority assessment, and work with stakeholders on the process for notification
of these substances. The Department also carries out screening level health risk assessments on existing micro-organisms, and both
environmental and health risk assessments on new Food and Drugs Act substances, including risk management when necessary.
Health Canada's National Office of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) provides leadership to its federal,
provincial and territorial MOU partners regarding effective hazard communication of workplace chemicals, including the delivery of
training for WHMIS inspectors across the country. In addition, the Department will continue its involvement and participation in
standardization work to ensure continued improvement of radiation emitting equipment safety.
Expected Results**
Performance Indicators
Reduced risk of death and injury from exposure to hazardous products and substances associated with: Consumer products;
cosmetics; workplace chemicals; new chemical substances; products of biotechnology; radiation-emitting devices;
environmental noise; solar UV radiation.
Level of reported incidences of product related deaths and injuries;
Level of exposure to hazardous products and substances associated with: consumer products; cosmetics; workplace
chemicals; new chemical substances; products of biotechnology; radiation-emitting devices; environmental noise; and
solar UV radiation.
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
25.6
334
25.5
334
25.5
334
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Key Initiatives
In support of the government's commitment to the health of children, we will proceed with the implementation of the Lead Risk
Reduction Strategy (LRRS) for Consumer Products. These measures will protect the health of Canadians by reducing health risks
related to lead exposure. Lead is hazardous to health and is particularly dangerous for infants and young children because they
are more susceptible to its harmful effects. The LRRS proposes maximum lead content limits for four categories of consumer
products with which children are likely to interact. Regulations for each category will be developed separately, moving first on
product groups where the risk to children is greatest. We will also check for compliance rates for products already regulated for
lead content. Performance will be based on the removal of such hazardous products from the Canadian marketplace and the level of
public awareness of risks.
Other regulatory and educational activities will also support the commitment to the protection of children's health. For
example, to protect the health of children and reduce strangulation hazards that are associated with flexible loops employed in
the manufacture and use of window covering products (mini-blinds and curtains), regulations will be developed to require mandatory
adherence by importers, advertisers and retailers to safety standards for these corded window covering products.
To effectively manage the continuing incidence of skin cancer, we need to ensure that children develop healthy behaviours with
regards to their outdoor activities. The best time to influence or change behaviours is at the time the behaviour is being
established. This is the fundamental driver for the Sun Awareness Project, a school-based outreach program to teach primary school
children and teenagers of both the benefits of sun exposure and the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. The Sun
Awareness Project involves learning elements and exercises integrated into the regular teaching schedule at both primary and
secondary schools.
At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, Canada made a commitment to fully implement the Globally Harmonized
System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals by 2008. The GHS is viewed globally as the basis for the sound
management of chemicals, and enhances the protection of human health and the environment by harmonizing chemical hazard
classification and communication internationally. Building on stakeholder consultations on the GHS, Health Canada will make
further progress toward carrying out the legislative and regulatory changes needed for full implementation by 2008.
In carrying out our responsibilities under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, a priority will be placed on
working with Environment Canada to develop regulatory amendments to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) that
reflect changes in the regulatory, policy and science environment, such as the production of transgenic, chimeric and cloned
animals (e.g., livestock). In addition, we will work to develop appropriate environmental regulations for substances in products
that are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.
Workplace Health & Public Safety
Description: The Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme (WHPSP) provides services to protect the health
and safety of the federal public sector, the travelling public, dignitaries visiting Canada, and others. It also establishes and
promotes national workplace health and safety policies.
Health Canada will continue to provide occupational health services to nearly 200,000 federal employees working in Canada and
overseas for approximately 100 departments and agencies. Health Canada delivers Employee Assistance Program services on a cost
recovery basis to approximately 143 Canadian public and para-public sector organizations. Through the International Health Bureau,
Health Canada provides emergency health services to Internationally Protected Persons and their families while they are on
official visits to Canada.
The health of those who travel within Canada is protected through voluntary inspection programs for passenger conveyances to
address public health risks relating to food, water and sanitation. Potable water regulations provide some authorities for
inspection and enforcement of water quality on conveyances. As well, under the Quarantine Act and in fulfilment of WHO
International Health Regulations, WHPSP Environmental Health Officers are responsible for inspecting and assessing conveyances,
goods and cargo, and ordering the detention, remediation, removal and destruction when necessary to protect against the
transmission of communicable quarantinable diseases.
Expected Results**
Performance Indicators
Healthy Public Service
Improved Public Health for the Travelling Public
Percentage of federal public employees remaining at work through/and following an injury, illness and/or traumatic
incident (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Statistics on leave, accommodation and injury in the workplace)
Client satisfaction with occupational health and contingency planning services (client satisfaction surveys)
Percentage occurrence of incidents of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise-ships with a target of less than 2% of
passengers and crew
2006-2007*
2007-2008
2008-2009
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
$
FTEs
24.5
417
24.4
418
24.5
419
*All financial figures in millions of dollars
Key Initiatives
In light of newly emerging health threats, Health Canada works with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Public Security
and Emergency Preparedness Canada, and other organizations to plan, prepare and implement physical and psychosocial emergency
responses to national health emergencies such as pandemic influenza and terrorist or suspected terrorist attacks. Health Canada
supports departments and agencies in their emergency preparedness and response activities through the provision of advice,
guidance, training, health evaluations, prophylaxis and immunizations and will continue to support PHAC with environmental
quarantine services. We will also continue to offer psycho-social services in support of federalized emergency responders and
federal public employees who provide essential services during and immediately following critical incidents.
We will develop approaches to better identify and manage mental health and addictions in the workplace. Areas of activity will
focus on: preventing and mitigating mental disorders and addictions among federal employees through mental health promotion, early
identification and referral; a disability case management program; and the development and implementation of a comprehensive
federal workplace health strategy.
* Other programs and services that contribute to this program activity total $52.5 million for 2006-2007
Program Activity - Pest Control Product Regulation
This program activity contributes to the Government of Canada Strategic Outcome: Healthy Canadians with Access to Quality
Health Care.
Planned spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs)
($ millions)
Forecast Spending 2005-2006
Planned Spending 2006-2007
Planned Spending 2007-2008
Planned Spending 2008-2009
Gross expenditures
60.5
58.6
58.2
54.1
Less: Expected respendable revenues
5.9
7.0
7.0
7.0
Net expenditures
54.6
51.6
51.2
47.1
FTEs
675
652
656
604
Notes: The decrease in expenditures from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007 is mainly due to the Expenditure Review Committee
(ERC) reduction.
The decrease in expenditures from 2006-2007 to 2008-2009 is mainly due to a decrease in the level of funding for
Building Public and Stakeholder Confidence in Pesticide Regulation initiative.
Figures include an amount for other departmental and regional infrastructure costs supporting program delivery.
Program Activity Description
Health Canada's program activity, Pest Control Product Regulation, protects human health and the environment by minimizing
risks associated with pesticides imported, sold, or used in Canada. The activity is strengthened through the use of sound,
progressive science, modern risk assessment, risk management approaches and innovative approaches to sustainable pest management.
Science is the foundation for Health Canada's activities related to Pest Control Product Regulations. We conduct assessments of
risk to human health and the environment arising from exposure to chemical and biological pesticides as well as assessments of the
value of these products. In support of this work, we develop assessment methodologies, pesticide testing protocols, risk reduction
strategies and risk management tools. Scientific expertise is in place in the following areas: toxicology, environmental
toxicology, analytical chemistry, environmental fate and chemistry, biochemistry, endocrinology, ecology, crop science, plant
pathology, entomology, occupational and bystander assessment, and aggregate and cumulative assessment.
To meet the primary objective of this program activity "to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from
unacceptable risks associated with pest control products", we collaborate with experts in a variety of disciplines throughout
the Health Portfolio and with the five natural resource departments. We also work with: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and
provincial governments on compliance activities; with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to develop risk reduction strategies and
improve access to specialized pest control; and with a federal interdepartmental working group on pesticide research and
monitoring. This working group provides the opportunity for us to discuss our research and monitoring needs, as well as obtain
information on the levels of pesticides in the environment, effects on human health and the environment, testing protocols, risk
reduction practices, pest control alternatives, and pesticides for minor use. It also gives our partners the opportunity to
effectively link their research results to regulatory decisions, and, at the same time, it will improve our regulatory decision
making process for pesticides.
Advisory groups play an important role in decisionmaking at Health Canada. The Minister's Pest Management Advisory Council
allows for dialogue between stakeholders and Health Canada. The Economic Management Advisory Committee provides strategic advice
on improving efficiency and cost effectiveness, and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Committee on Pest Management and
Pesticides helps strengthen federal, provincial and territorial relationships in the area of pest management and pesticides. The
Committee also provides advice and direction to federal, provincial, and territorial governments on programs, policies and issues.
The major human resource challenge for this program activity is to keep up with the pace of growing scientific knowledge and
industry innovation. We will need to continue to recruit additional resources that have the appropriate knowledge base, and
develop and train staff in a number of scientific disciplines.
This program activity has three main objectives: protected health and environment; increased use of reduced risk pest
management practices and products; and increased public and stakeholder confidence in pesticide regulation. To achieve these
objectives we focus on five main activities that respond to a number of challenges facing Health Canada such as consumer demands,
globalization, and rapid scientific and technological change. They are:
1. Regulatory Improvement
The new Pest Control Products Act, which came into force June 28, 2006, will strengthen health and environmental
protection by enshrining in legislation modern risk assessment and risk management approaches that are currently applied as a
policy matter. These include specific protection for infants and children, accounting for pesticide exposure from all sources
(including food and water), and considering cumulative effects of pesticides that act in the same way. It will also continue to
support pesticide risk reduction by ensuring that only pesticides that make a useful contribution to pest management are
registered and by expediting the registration of lower-risk products. The registration system will be made more transparent by
establishing a public registry to allow access to test data detailed evaluation reports on registered pesticides. Health Canada
will continue to share scientific results on pesticides with provincial, territorial and international regulators to enhance the
process for international joint reviews of pesticides.We will share sustainable pest management practices with provinces and
territories to enhance agricultural stewardship. As a result, Canadian growers will have improved access to newer and safer
pesticides so they can be more competitive in the marketplace.
In addition, the new PCPA will strengthen postregistration controls for all products. These requirements include: reporting by
pesticide companies of adverse effects related to their pesticide products; re-evaluation of older chemicals on a cyclical basis;
public transparency regarding the basis of regulatory decisions; and ensuring in legislation the special review program to address
potential identified specific concerns for registered products.
To support the need to provide Canadians with a transparent and participatory regulatory process, we will transform our work
from traditional business interfaces and information delivery practices to interactive, web-based practices. This transformation
will allow information to be delivered, stored, accessed, retrieved, exchanged and used more effectively and efficiently, and will
lead to more efficient and cost-effective management of the regulatory process.
2. New Pest Control Product Registration
New pesticides undergo an extensive pre-market assessment by Health Canada to ensure their use poses no unacceptable risks.
This includes an assessment of human health risk (including worker and bystander exposure), food residues, environmental risk
(including environmental fate and potential effects on wildlife), and an assessment of value. Assessments are carried out using
the most modern scientific methods available and meet international best practices.
To provide for continual updating of our assessments, we are participating in a joint review program with the United States
through NAFTA that is being expanded globally through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This
furthers the goals of timely registrations, harmonization and work sharing efforts to ensure pesticide risk assessments are
efficient and benefit from the best science available internationally. Public consultation will continue to be used routinely for
the development of major science policies and for registration decisions.
3. Registered Pest Control Product Evaluation
We re-evaluate older pesticides currently on the market to determine if their continued use is acceptable in consideration of
modern data and current scientific approaches. Significant public consultation is undertaken on risk assessments and risk
management proposals to engage stakeholders, including registrants, other government departments, growers and their associations,
other non-governmental organizations, as well as the general public.
Risk mitigation measures will continue to be implemented where required to address concerns regarding risks that could emerge
during the re-evaluation of a chemical. As required, under the PCPA, we will continue to work with the Environmental Protection
Agency in the United States on a proposed approach to re-evaluation and develop a plan to work cooperatively on future
re-evaluations.
4. National Pesticide Compliance Program
We have the ongoing responsibility to help protect the health of Canadians and their environment by facilitating, encouraging
and maximizing compliance with the PCPA and its regulations. Where non-compliance is detected, we apply the appropriate
enforcement (e.g., education, monetary penalties or prosecution). Health Canada promotes and monitors compliance with the Act and
Regulations principally through its National Pesticide Compliance Program (NPCP).
The NPCP includes programs that address regional, multi-regional or national compliance and enforcement problems and issues.
Much of this work is accomplished through a regional network of designated officials who inspect and investigate those who
manufacture, distribute and use pesticides. An example of compliance activities is the monitoring of pesticide use in grape and
blueberry production that will be done this coming year. Other pesticides will be monitored as issues arise.
In addition, we will continue to work in partnership with provincial and other federal regulators and will explore further
opportunities for coordination and collaboration with international organizations. Specifically, in 2006-2007 Health Canada plans,
through an OECD workshop, to continue to develop performance indicators for the compliance area.
5. Pesticide Risk Reduction in Agriculture
The Pesticide Risk Reduction Program supports the objectives of the new Pest Control Products Act to facilitate access
to reduced risk products and enhance sustainability in agriculture. It is a growerled, commodity-based program that is jointly
facilitated by the Sustainable Pest Management Section of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the Pest Management Centre of
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The goal of the program is to improve the sustainability of Canadian agricultural
commodities through the development and implementation of commodity-based risk reduction strategies. Benefits resulting from this
program will include the development and adoption of alternative pest management practices through applied research into reduced
risk alternative tools and biopesticides.
AAFC and Health Canada will continue working with stakeholders to develop commodity-specific pesticide strategies for twenty
priority crops including apples, potatoes, dry beans and greenhouse vegetables. Active stakeholder participation in building and
implementing strategies is critical to the success of the program.
Performance Measurement Strategy
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Access to safer pesticides
Strengthened compliance with PCPA and Regulations
Users informed of reduced risk practices
Transparency of pesticide regulation
Improved regulatory efficiencies and cost effectiveness
Informed public and stakeholders
Number of new reduced risk active ingredients available for use in Canada
Percentage of reduced risk chemicals and percentage of biopesticide active ingredients registered/pending registration
in the U.S. that are registered/pending registration in Canada
Number of new active ingredients registered through the PMRA/U.S. EPA Joint Review or work share program
Number of active ingredients addressed through re-evaluation
Feedback from public and stakeholders
Number of proposed and final regulatory decisions posted on the website
Implementation of reading rooms and adverse effects reporting
Efficiency gains achieved through electronic processes and harmonization permit the integration of new science
policies and methodologies
Feedback from public/stakeholders
Number of web hits
Number of responses provided to the public through the Pest Management Information Service
Strategic Outcome: Better Health Outcomes and Reduction of Health Inequalities Between First Nations and
Inuit and Other Canadians
Planned spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs)
($ millions)
Forecast Spending 2005-2006
Planned Spending 2006-2007
Planned Spending 2007-2008
Planned Spending 2008-2009
Gross expenditures
1,930.8
2,124.6
2,139.7
2,159.2
Less: Expected respendable revenues
3.4
5.5
5.5
5.5
Net expenditures
1,927.5
2,119.1
2,134.2
2,153.7
FTEs
2,722
2,884
2,883
2,857
Notes: The increase in expenditures from 2005-2006 to 2006-2007 is mainly due to the yearly growth of
the Indian Envelope and an increase in the funding level for the Follow-Up to the Special Meeting of First Ministers and
Aboriginal Leaders (September 12, 2004). This increase is partially offset by the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC)
reduction.
The increase in the expenditures from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 is mainly due to the yearly growth of the Indian Envelope
and an increase in the funding level for the Follow-Up to the Special Meeting of First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders
(September 12, 2004). This increase is partially offset by the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) reduction.
The increase in expenditures from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009 is mainly due to the yearly growth of the Indian Envelope. This
increase is partially offset by a decrease in funding for the sunset of the Implementation of the First Nation Water
Management Systems initiative.
The change in the FTEs is due to the increase of the salary component of the operating budget.
Figures include an amount for other departmental and regional infrastructure costs supporting program delivery.
Program Activity Description
The objectives of Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit health program activity are improving health outcomes, ensuring the
availability of and access to quality health services, and supporting greater control of the health system by First Nations and
Inuit.
To achieve these goals, the Department must face many of the same challenges as other Canadian health care providers such as
increasing costs, health human resource shortages and an aging population. The First Nations and Inuit health system has
additional challenges due to rapidly growing populations with a higher than national average rate of injuries and disease burden,
and a population living largely in remote and rural areas.
Within this context, Health Canada will focus on four key priority areas in 2006-2007: continuing to provide health-related
programs and services; improving quality and access to health-related programs and services; promoting healthy living and disease
prevention; and improving accountability and performance measurement. These priorities recognize the importance that determinants
of health such as education and family income play in improving health outcomes, as well as the need for innovation in the field
of health. They will also be informed by a government review of the health commitments of the 2005 Meeting of First Ministers and
Aboriginal Leaders.
Continued health-related programs and services
Health Canada provides a range of First Nations and Inuit health programs and services that will continue into 2006-2007. In
partnership with First Nations and Inuit, we will continue to provide primary health care services in approximately 200 remote
communities by approximately 600 nurses through nursing stations and community health centres in remote and/or isolated
communities. Through our regional offices, we also deliver programs focussed on children and youth, mental health and addictions,
chronic diseases, environmental health, and communicable and noncommunicable disease prevention. These services supplement and
support the services that provincial, territorial and regional health authorities provide.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) coverage of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term
crisis intervention mental health services, and medical transportation will continue to be available to all 765,000 registered
Indians and recognized Inuit in Canada, regardless of residency.
Health Canada works closely with our health partners and other federal departments. We support the Public Health Agency of
Canada in its delivery of Children and Youth programming through the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities
program as well as a number of pan-Aboriginal programs. We also work closely with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada through the
First Nations Water Management Strategy to ensure that all First Nations communities across Canada have access to a safe and
reliable water supply.
Improving quality of and access to health-related programs and services
The key elements of this priority include: working towards seamless integration of services; increasing the number of
Aboriginal health professionals; support for accreditation; improved community dental capacity; and capital improvements and
investments.
We will work to make progress towards better integration of federal, provincial and territorial health programming and services
to First Nations and Inuit and to ensure that services meet the needs of Aboriginal peoples. This will include implementation of
the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, which was designed to enable federal, provincial and territorial governments, First Nations
governments who deliver health care services, and Aboriginal communities to devise new ways to integrate and adapt existing health
services. Attention will also be given to implementation of best practices and lessons learned from a series of Health Integration
Initiative pilot projects.
Health Canada will continue to fund the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative to increase the long-term supply of First
Nations, Inuit and Métis health professionals. In order to focus on Aboriginal youth, scholarship and bursary funds will be made
available to eligible youth who pursue post-secondary studies in health support. To meet the continuing challenge of recruitment
and retention of nurses to support health services in communities, we will provide ongoing professional development and continuing
education opportunities. In partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association, we will launch a National Nursing Portal to provide
critical support to nurses in rural and remote areas.
Health Canada will also continue to support the development and implementation of First Nations and Inuit accreditation and
quality improvement activities. This will increase the number of accredited health care services in First Nations communities and
ensure that the health care provided is responsive to the needs of the communities. We will also continue to implement, in
selected communities, the Children's Oral Health Initiative to improve the oral health of First Nations children. This will focus
on increasing the awareness of preventive oral health care and positive self-care practices for parents and caregivers, and will
serve to increase the capacity of communities to deliver and maintain dental public health initiatives.
Finally, Health Canada supports the construction, operation, maintenance and environmental management of on-reserve health
facilities and staff residences. In 2006-2007, fifteen health facilities will be constructed or expanded, and recapitalization
initiatives (repairs, replacements, upgrades) will improve the working environment of clients and staff, and enhance the quality
of health care services offered at the community level. In 2006-2007, Health Canada will also invest $1.2 million in environmental
remediation and assessment to ensure operations of health facilities in First Nations communities meet environmental codes and
requirements and are consistent with the Department's commitments to sustainable development.
Promoting healthy living and disease prevention
This priority focuses on maternal and child health, mental wellness, suicide prevention, prevention of chronic disease,
communicable disease readiness, and safe drinking water. Initiatives have been put in place, such as a Maternal and Child Health
(MCH) program to further expand and enhance the continuum of services provided and to improve health and social outcomes for
pregnant women and families with infants and young children within a targeted number of First Nations and Inuit communities. In
2006-2007, Health Canada will continue to expand the number of sites and spaces available for Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve
(AHSOR) children and will provide training to AHSOR workers.
Health Canada will oversee the development of a strategic action plan in 2006-2007 to improve mental wellness outcomes for
First Nations and Inuit. Among other issues, the strategic action plan will guide Health Canada's efforts to more effectively
position its current programming so that they are better able to serve the diverse needs of Aboriginal communities.
We will also continue to implement the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS). This new strategy will
establish projects in a targeted number of Aboriginal communities, where it will focus on building a solid foundation for
effective approaches for preventing youth suicide. The activities supported by NAYSPS will include: skills training; tool and
resource development; and primary prevention and awareness initiatives that promote mental wellness and youth resiliency. The
strategy will also develop protocols to respond to communities in crisis and support various research projects. In addition to
these new activities, Health Canada will continue to offer a continuum of mental health and emotional support services to former
students of residential schools and their families as Canada renews its efforts to resolve Indian Residential School legal claims
more expeditiously in 2006-2007.
Health Canada will continue its efforts to address high rates of chronic disease within the Aboriginal community. In
particular, the Department will enhance the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative by increasing the level of community-based funding that
communities can access to expand promotion, prevention and care activities. Beyond our efforts to address diabetes, we will
develop a First Nations and Inuit Chronic Disease Prevention Strategic Plan that will be developed in partnership with key
stakeholders and experts and will inform the development of future chronic disease prevention approaches.
In light of federal responsibilities to protect First Nations communities against health risks associated with communicable
diseases, Health Canada will begin to implement Communicable Disease Emergencies Plans. Efforts will be focussed on increasing
emergency planning and response capacity at the regional and community levels, strengthening collaborative relationships with
provinces, territories and stakeholders and ensuring that emergency supplies are purchased and readily available to First Nations
and Inuit communities. Health Canada will develop and pilot test Pandemic Influenza Plans in First Nations and Inuit communities
by the end of 2006-2007.
Finally, through the Water Management Strategy, Health Canada will work in partnership with First Nations communities (except
the Yukon and the Territories), to implement drinking water monitoring as per the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
This will involve the development of options and an action plan for the implementation of a regulatory regime for drinking water
in First Nations communities. Health Canada will investigate potential drinking water problems and provide advice and
recommendations to First Nations communities and federal partners such as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Health Canada is
also actively involved in the development of community-based education and awareness activities on drinking water quality issues.
Improving accountability and performance measurement
Health Canada has developed a strategy to monitor, measure progress and report on program performance results. This includes
establishing performance measurement strategies in consultation with the organizations delivering the services at the community
level.
We will undertake efforts to improve health surveillance and information analysis, including data development, data analysis,
research evidence to support priority-setting and decision-making on health-related investments. For example, as a further
enhancement to the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, Health Canada will begin to support the development of an Aboriginal-specific
diabetes research agenda and will increase the Department's surveillance activities in an effort to identify research priorities
that will inform future diabetes programming.
Health Canada also draws information from evaluation and review studies on areas for improvement. In 2006-2007, we will conduct
a joint evaluation with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada on the First Nations Water Management Strategy. The Department will
also develop processes and tools and collect information for evaluating primary health care, immunization and mental health
programs. It will finalize the evaluation of the Home and Community Care program.
Performance Measurement Strategy
The First Nations and Inuit Health program has established expected results and performance indicators to assess progress
towards the achievement of the strategic outcome. Use of the information below will contribute to providing a snapshot of the
health status of First Nations and Inuit.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Strengthened community programs; better health protection; improved primary health care; and access to non-insured health
benefits contribute to improved health status of First Nations and Inuit individuals, families and communities.
Life expectancy (at birth, on and off reserve)
Infant Mortality Rates
Birth weight
NIHB Client utilization rates
Key Programs and Services
The following describes six key program areas that Health Canada will continue to be engaged in throughout 2006-2007: children
and youth; mental health and addictions; chronic disease and injury prevention; environmental health and research; communicable
disease control; and primary health care.
Children and Youth Programs
Description: These programs are designed to collectively improve the cultural, emotional, intellectual and
physical growth and development of First Nations and Inuit infants, children and youth. Programs targeting maternal, infant and
child health, increasing children's knowledge of language and culture, and increasing children's readiness for school are the main
priorities of the Department's children and youth programming. These programs include: Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve; the
Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program; the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder program; and the Maternal Child Health program.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved continuum of programs and supports in First Nations and Inuit communities
Increased participation of First Nations and Inuit individuals, families, and communities in programs and supports
Number and percentage of communities with programs
Number and type of participants in programs by program type
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
102.2
6.1
109.8
6.1
115.7
6.1
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Mental Health and Addictions Programs
Description: These programs provide culturally appropriate counseling services, addiction prevention and
promotion services and mental wellness services that are largely delivered by Aboriginal people. These programs include: Building
Healthy Communities; the Brighter Futures program; the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) - Residential
Treatment; the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program - Community based; the Youth Solvent Abuse Program; the First
Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy; the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; the Labrador Innu
Comprehensive Healing Strategy; and the Indian Residential Schools-Mental Health Support Program.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved continuum of programs and services in First Nations and Inuit communities
Increased participation of First Nations and Inuit individuals, families and communities in programs and services
Number of communities with programs (percentage of communities with programs)
Number and type of participants in programs by program type
Number of community health facilities by type
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
139.1
5.8
130.7
4.3
133.3
4.4
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Programs
Description: These programs support the development and implementation of community-based activities that
promote healthy lifestyle choices and support healthy and active living. Over the long term, these programs will contribute to the
prevention of chronic disease and injuries within First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada. These programs include: the
Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative; Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion; and Injury Prevention.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved continuum of programs and supports in First Nations and Inuit communities
Number and percentage of communities with programs
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
34.9
2.8
45.1
2.8
50.1
2.8
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Environmental Health and Research Programs
Description: These programs are designed to reduce the risk of exposure to environmental health hazards by
improving the capacity of communities to implement measures to manage, contain and control them. They also create and maintain
healthy and safe community environments through: the investigation of potential environmental health-related outbreaks; raising
awareness of environmental health hazards such as waterborne, foodborne and vector borne illnesses including health problems
associated with poor indoor air quality, such as mould in housing. They provide for pest control and build community human
resource capacity to adapt to environmental conditions, to maintain safe environments and to deal safely with environmental
hazards. These programs include: First Nations Water Management Strategy; West Nile Virus; Contaminated Sites; Transportation of
Dangerous Goods; Food Safety, Facilities Health Inspections; housing; and research.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved environmental health risk management
Number of communities with environmental health officers/trained community-based water quality monitors
Number of communities equipped with water testing/sampling kits
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
46.1
11.9
46.7
11.9
22.2
9.1
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Communicable Disease Control Programs
Description: These programs support public health needs and priorities in the design, implementation,
management and delivery of programs to protect First Nations and Inuit communities from communicable diseases, and to implement
measures to manage, contain and control risks of outbreak. These programs include: Tuberculosis; Immunization; HIV/AID; and
Communicable Disease Emergencies.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved access to communicable disease prevention and control programs for First Nations and Inuit individuals,
families, and communities
Number and percentage of communities with programs
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
26.0
6.1
26.8
6.4
28.0
6.4
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level.
** All financial figures in millions of dollars
Primary Health Care Programs
Description: Comprehensive health care services are provided to remote and/or isolated First Nations and Inuit
settlements to supplement and support primary care services provided by provincial, territorial and/or regional health
authorities. These include emergency and acute care health services. Health Canada ensures links to appropriate care by other
health care providers and/or institutions as required by the client condition. The continuum of community health care and primary
care services includes illness and injury prevention and health promotion activities. This includes the Home and Community Care
Program and the Oral Health Strategy, for example.
Expected Results
Performance Indicators
Improved access to primary health care programs and services for First Nations and Inuit individuals, families and
communities
Number and percentage of communities with programs
Number of treatment centres by type, in the communities
Eligible client utilization rates of NIHB - Dental Benefits
2006-2007*
2007-2008*
2008-2009*
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
$
Salary $
232.9
66.7
233.7
66.4
237.8
65.7
* Based on the PAA with adjustments for approved Treasury Board submissions. It was assumed that no growth would be
applied to new funding and non-envelope funding. It was also assumed that 3% growth would be applicable to envelope funding.
Only salary dollars was provided because the information on the number of FTEs is not available at this level. ** All
financial figures in millions of dollars
Web Links
Other programs and services that contribute to this program activity total $1,539.9 million; for further information on those
programs and services please see the following web links.