Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health.
Health Canada is committed to improving the lives of all of Canada 's people and to making this country's population among the healthiest in the world as measured by longevity, lifestyle and effective use of the public health care system.
The Dialogue on Values and Ethics resulted in the identification and description of the following core values for Health Canada. In pursuing and fulfilling our vision and mission, we achieve personal, organizational and public good by:
Taking Pride in What We Do
We are motivated and guided by our personal integrity.
Building a Workplace Community
We respect each other and work together in a healthy environment.
Caring for the People of Canada
We advance the public good with purpose and passion while honouring democratic values.
By being accountable for our values and their integration in our work, we lay the foundation for excellence at Health Canada.
By working with others in a manner that fosters the trust of Canadians, Health Canada strives to:
Health Canada plays five core roles in order to realize our vision. In fulfilling these roles, our Department draws on our strengths as a science-based department. We generate knowledge through the research, analysis and evaluations that we conduct, partner in and support. We also draw on the knowledge that is being generated around the world to help us and others make informed, effective choices across all five roles.
We deliver a range of programs and services in environmental health and protection, and have responsibilities in the areas of substance abuse, tobacco policy, workplace health and the safe use of consumer products. As well, Health Canada monitors and tracks diseases and takes action where required.
We support the delivery of public health and health promotion services on-reserve and in Inuit communities. We also provide primary care services on-reserve in remote and isolated areas, where there are no provincial services readily available.
In order to ensure that the Department is working to achieve tangible results for Canadians, Health Canada has established three strategic outcomes and key areas of program activities.
Strategic Outcome #1 A Health System Responsive to the Needs of Canadians
Strategic Outcome #2 Canadians are informed of and protected from health risks associated with food, products, substances and environments, and are informed of the benefits of healthy eating
Strategic Outcome #3 First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status
Additional Information
See the Health Canada Reports on Plans and Priorities for details on the Department's annual program activities, strategic outcomes and planned expenditures.