Involving the Public in Health Issues

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Canadians expect their governments to be responsive, open and accountable. They want effective mechanisms to ensure that they are appropriately informed and that their views are heard. This is particularly true in a regulatory context where the actions and decisions taken by governments have real effect on the lives of Canadians and on their ability to manage their health.

The Office of Consumer and Public Involvement

The Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) understands that Canadians need timely, accurate and accessible information in order to participate in a meaningful manner on the issues shaping health policies. It was in this context that the Office of Consumer and Public Involvement (OCAPI) was created in 1999. OCAPI works closely with all the directorates and groups within HPFB to ensure Canadians have access to the information they need, and to facilitate and support consultation with them.

Transparency and Openness

One of the keys to a successful dialogue is trust and confidence through increased openness and transparency. The Health Products and Food Branch is committed to transparency by facilitating access to and understanding of the information and processes it uses to conduct its business. HPFB believes a common language contributes to understanding and effective communication. After research and consultation, the Branch uses the following definitions:

Transparency is:

facilitating access to and understanding of the information and processes HPFB uses to conduct its business

Openness is:

inviting, hearing, considering and sharing of information in the conduct of HPFB's business

Shaping priorities through consultation

HPFB seeks the views of Canadians to help set priorities, build policy and create new programs. Public input is sought in various ways including discussion documents, stakeholder workshops or roundtables, and advisory committees.

HPFB currently draws on advice from more than 20 advisory committees. These range from the Public Advisory Committee that provides broad, strategic advice on general questions to more technical committees dedicated to specific issues such as blood safety or oncology therapies.

Reflecting a diversity of opinions

The best decisions most often reflect a diversity of opinions. Through all of its public-involvement activities, HPFB aims to reflect the diversity of the Canadian population by engaging individuals and groups with a broad range of interests, experience and expertise.

Health Canada
Health Products and Food Branch
250 Lanark Avenue
Graham Spry Building
Address Locator: 2005A
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-1806
Facsimile: 613-954-3957
Email: hpfb-dgpsa@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/hpfb

Office of Consumer and Public Involvement
Suite 513, Holland Cross
Tower A
Postal Locator: 3005A
11 Holland Avenue
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Telephone : 613-941-4366
Facsimile: 613-954-8637
Email: ocapi-bpcp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/ocapi