Our Great Lakes

Health Canada

Health Canada is responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. Working in partnership with federal departments and with provincial and territorial governments, Health Canada provides national leadership to develop health policy, enforce health regulations, promote disease prevention and enhance healthy living for all Canadians.

Human Health in the Great Lakes Basin

The three pillars of knowledge, policy and partnerships, form the basis of Health Canada's activities as partners in delivering the Government of Canada's Great Lakes Action Plan. Health Canada facilitates research and exchange of information that can be integrated into health policy by all levels of government. This is achieved through partnerships with various stakeholders and contributes more broadly to the overall health of Canadians living in the Great Lakes Basin.

Research

Since 1989, Health Canada's research in the Great Lakes Basin has identified and measured contaminants in human tissue, as well as in food, air, water and soil. Cause and effect relationships between toxic chemicals and reproductive problems, cancer, immune deficiencies, learning impairments, and cardiorespiratory health have been investigated, along with the identification of at-risk populations and the extent of the risks. Social issues related to health and the environment have also been identified.

Health Canada continues to lead the development of environmental health research agendas in collaboration with national health research agencies, scientists, government and non-government agencies, and interest groups. These research agendas will guide the work of health researchers and providers in Canada for many years to come.

Health Networks

Health Canada makes use of public health networks to facilitate the exchange of information with Canadian health agencies as well as supporting integration of these networks with similar organizations internationally.