Recently posted on http://www.healthycanadians.ca (but not publicly announced or launched) are the Health Goals for Canada.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health in October 2005 agreed on a set of goals for improving the health of Canadians, and that each provincial and territorial government would determine how to put them into effect in their own initiatives. And what about the role of individuals, communities and organizations in responding to, and acting upon these goals? It might be limited to reading them, calling the toll-free number and engaging in discussions here and elsewhere. 

Take a look at the 9 goals below, and read the background and statements. 
The goals are available in HTML and in PDF at http://www.healthycanadians.ca/NEW-1-eng.html
http://www.healthycanadians.ca/NEW-1-frn.html

These goals, and the key terms and concepts on the site, are specific to 'public health'. Health promotion is described as including "strengthening the skills of individuals to encourage healthy behaviours and it also includes building the healthy social and physical environments to support these behaviours." 
What would YOU see as appropriate health goals? What is the role for health promotion and for the determinants of health? How should these, or other goals, be promoted or followed up?
Let's have a lively discussion.

- Alison Stirling
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Overarching Goal

As a nation, we aspire to a Canada in which every person is as healthy as they can be – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Health Goals for Canada

Canada is a country where:

Basic Needs
(Social and Physical Environments)

Our children reach their full potential, growing up happy, healthy, confident and secure.

The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we live, work and play are safe and healthy - now and for generations to come.

Belonging and Engagement

Each and every person has dignity, a sense of belonging, and contributes to supportive families, friendships and diverse communities.

We keep learning throughout our lives through formal and informal education, relationships with others, and the land.

We participate in and influence the decisions that affect our personal and collective health and well-being.

We work to make the world a healthy place for all people, through leadership, collaboration and knowledge.

Healthy Living

Every person receives the support and information they need to make healthy choices.

A System for Health

We work to prevent and are prepared to respond to threats to our health and safety through coordinated efforts across the country and around the world.

A strong system for health and social well-being responds to disparities in health status and offers timely, appropriate care.


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Alison Stirling, MHSc.
Health Promotion Information Specialist
Health Promotion Affiliate, Canadian Health Network
@ Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse
#1900 180 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
tel. 416-408-2249 x227 fax 416-408-2122
email: [log in to unmask]

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