Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Canada Health Day

May 12, 2012

Canada Health Day, May 12, is a national celebration of public health in Canada.

Since the early 1900s, the average lifespan of Canadians has increased by more than 30 years. Twenty-five years of this gain are attributable to advances in public heath. As Minister of Health, I am pleased to recognize Canada Health Day.

Sponsored by the Canadian Health Care Association and the Canadian Public Health Association, Canada Health Day recognizes the many contributions made by our public health system and by public health workers to the well-being of Canadians.

Public health involves the organized efforts of society to keep people healthy and to prevent injury, illness and premature death. It includes programs, services and policies that protect and promote the health of all Canadians. In Canada, public health is a responsibility that is shared by local, provincial/territorial and federal governments, as well as the private sector, non-government organizations, health professionals, and the public.

The Government of Canada supports Canada's public health professionals through training, development and placement programs; as well as through partnerships with universities, medical schools, and professional organizations.

Since 2006, we have made available more than $17 million in grants and contributions toward the education and development of public health students, post-doctoral fellows, community health medical residents, as well as for applied public health chairs and training products and tools.

We have also invested over $5 million in the Skills Online Program, which offers online professional development training in English and French to support core competencies for public health. To date, over 7,000 professionals have participated in this program.

We also support several programs with the parallel goals of enhancing public health capacity across the country and providing training to improve public health skills. More than $11 million have been invested in the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program and the Canadian Public Health Service.

Canada's capacity to improve and protect the health of Canadians relies on a skilled and dedicated public health workforce. The Government of Canada acknowledges the significant contributions and successes of public health workers, community health organizations and health units across the country.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada