How is the Agency different from what Health Canada does now?
A.2 Canada is part of a global community – recent experiences with infectious disease outbreaks, as well as both national and international reports on health care – have made it clear that, in this environment, a new model that supports a rapid response to public health threats and greater national collaboration on health issues is required. Moreover, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians. Coordinated action among federal, provincial and territorial governments is necessary to get ahead of these preventable diseases. As part of the health portfolio, the Agency will be focussed on emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease prevention and control, and injury prevention, supported by a collaborative, national network. This new focus and collaborative model ensures these particular areas have the attention they now demand.
A.2 Canada is part of a global community – recent experiences with infectious disease outbreaks, as well as both national and international reports on health care – have made it clear that, in this environment, a new model that supports a rapid response to public health threats and greater national collaboration on health issues is required. Moreover, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians. Coordinated action among federal, provincial and territorial governments is necessary to get ahead of these preventable diseases. As part of the health portfolio, the Agency will be focussed on emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease prevention and control, and injury prevention, supported by a collaborative, national network. This new focus and collaborative model ensures these particular areas have the attention they now demand.
