Marketing and Communications Services Directorate

The Marketing and Communications Services Directorate is the departmental focal point for strategic advice, planning and implementation of social marketing, Health Canada's Internet, public opinion research and evaluation, and the policy lead for corporate consultation.

Divisions

• Marketing and Research Division
• Web, Internal and Corporate Communications Division

Marketing and Research Division

The Marketing and Research Division is composed of two units:

The Social Marketing Unit:

• Develops social marketing campaigns, in collaboration with Departmental issue experts to help change attitudes and behaviours to raise awareness and increase knowledge of specific health issues and motivate Canadians to adopt healthier behaviours;
• Develops strategic alliances to help bolster social marketing campaigns; and
• Manages all Health Canada advertising agencies.

See also:

• Social Marketing

Public Opinion Research and Evaluation Unit

Health Canada relies on accurate, up-to-date public opinion research to help us understand Canadian society and know citizens' needs, perceptions and expectations about health. Public opinion research is an essential policy tool necessary for gathering public views about proposals, evaluating our services, and measuring success in achieving health promotion and protection objectives.

Public Opinion Research and Evaluation (PORE) is the central authority for public opinion research within Health Canada. PORE provides ongoing advice to ensure research is completed as effectively and efficiently as possible, help ensure that results meet key research objectives, and coordinate with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWSGC). More specifically, PORE:

• Provides advice on what research is available and whether more research is necessary;
• Provides advice on the best method to carry out research;
• Works to develop a scope of work;
• Works with at all stages of the contract from designing the survey instrument, managing the process and reviewing/finalizing and disseminating the results;
• Develops performance measurement and evaluation tools for internal use in Public Affairs, Consultation and Regions Branch.

Web, Internal and Corporate Communications Division

The Web, Internal and Corporate Communications Division provides expert guidance and tactical services to help Departmental clients achieve their Communications goals through the Web, graphic design and publication management, audio-visual, exhibits, warehousing and distribution. It is composed of three units:

• The Web unit, which facilitates the publishing of the Health Canada Web site working with all of the branches and regions in providing communications advice and support on content, standards, processes and approvals for publishing to the Web. This team also manages Health Canada 's Intranet;
• The Internal Communications unit, which coordinates and manages all internal communications directed at Health Canada employees; and
• The Corporate Communications unit, which:
  • Coordinates and project manages (both internal and private sector) for translators, editors, audio-visual production, graphic design services, photographers, exhibit production and printing services needed to produce Health Canada communication products; and
  • Is responsible for the public enquiries, 1 866 toll-free line, distribution and warehousing of Health Canada publications.