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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome #1 - Accessible and sustainable health system responsive to the health needs of Canadians

Maintaining the accessibility and sustainability of Canada's health system is a shared responsibility, requiring Health Canada to work closely with provincial and territorial governments, as well as health organizations and other stakeholder groups.  With Health Canada playing a significant role, the Department continually examines new and innovative approaches and responses to the health priorities and needs of Canadians.

Serving as a partner, an enabler, an innovator, a knowledge broker and a proponent of transparency and accountability, Health Canada plays a role in supporting the sustainability of Canada's health system.  To Canadians, sustainability means the availability, maintenance and advancement of key attributes of Canada's publicly funded health system such as accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness.  In the face of perpetually shifting and growing health system demands, the Department develops policies in support of a sustainable health system for Canadians.

Program Activity: Canadian Health System


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
297.3 291.2 291.8   330 327 327

This program activity provides strategic policy advice on health care issues such as improved access, quality and integration of health care services to better meet the health needs of Canadians, wherever they live or whatever their financial circumstances. The objective is pursued mindful of long-term equity, sustainability and affordability considerations and in close collaboration with provinces and territories, health professionals, administrators, other key stakeholders and citizens.

Improved access, quality and integration of health services administration is achieved through investments in the health system and in health system renewal; for instance by reducing wait times for essential services, by working with provinces and territories to ensure that the principles of the Canada Health Act are respected, by developing health information and health measures for Canadians, by meeting the health and health access needs of specific groups, such as official language minority communities, and by ensuring the implementation of agreements between federal/provincial/territorial ministers of Health.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity supports the success of the health care system serving Canadians, particularly with respect to improving access, quality and integration of health care services.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Improved health care system planning and performance, including wait times reduction
Enhanced capacity of governments and stakeholders to support health system planning
Awareness and understanding among health sector decision-makers and the public of the factors affecting accessibility, quality and sustainability of Canada's health care system and the health of Canadians
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Reports and analyses related to issues such as wait times reduction, health human resources planning, and provision of chronic, palliative and continuing care are used to improve the health care system Increased awareness and knowledge of new approaches, models and best practices related to health care renewal 
Governmental and stakeholder engagement activities (e.g., meetings, workshops, conferences, program and policy proposals) Increased collaboration and consultation between governments and stakeholders to advance key health care issues
Publication of information that raises awareness and understanding of the factors affecting accessibility, quality and sustainability of Canada's health care system and the health of Canadians Timely and accessible health research and information on priority health issues available to Canadians

Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)

Budget 2009 identified multi-year funding of $500 million to Canada Health Infoway to support the goal of establishing Electronic Health Records for 50 per cent of Canadians by 2010; to speed up the implementation of Electronic Medical Records systems in physician offices; and to integrate points of service for hospitals, pharmacies, community care facilities, and patients. This additional investment would be governed by the terms and conditions of a new funding agreement.   Following the Auditor General of Canada's Report of November 3, 2009, Canada Health Infoway is implementing its recommendations to ensure proper accountabilities are in place. The Government will continue to work with Canada Health Infoway to assess progress before taking next steps.

 Planning Highlights

The ongoing responsibilities indicated above will continue.  In addition, Health Canada and the Government of Canada will keep working with the provinces, territories and health partners to bring about more health system improvements.  Various areas of action identified as part of the departmental operational priority "Health System Innovation" are undertaken as part of this program activity, including:

  • The Department will continue to work with provinces and territories on health system sustainability.  Objectives of this work will be to improve access to physicians, nurses and other health care providers through measures under the Health Human Resources Strategy, initiatives aimed at internationally-educated health professionals and work with specific partners in the health care sector on issues of shared importance.  As listed above as a CEAP initiative, another goal will be accelerated development and implementation of electronic health technologies through collaboration with Canada Health Infoway once proper accountabilities are in place, as per the Auditor General of Canada's Report of November 3, 2009.
  • Health Canada will work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, provinces and territories, and other partners to assess and analyze the government's response to the H1N1 outbreak with the goal of further strengthening Canada's pandemic readiness.
  • Health Canada will continue to support the ongoing efforts of the medical community, and the provinces and territories, to minimize the impact of medical isotope supply disruptions on the Canadian health care system and will continue to review other sources and alternatives to isotopes to ensure that they are safe and effective for Canadians.

Program Activity: Canadian Assisted Human Reproduction


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
1.3 1.3 1.3   8 8 8

This program activity implements the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which seeks to protect and promote human health, safety, dignity and human rights in the use of Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) technologies. It develops policies and regulations in the area of assisted human reproduction. The science of AHR is evolving rapidly and, as a result, the program activity engages stakeholders on an ongoing basis to find a balance between the needs of patients who use these technologies to help them build their families, the children born from these technologies and the providers of these services with health and safety as the overriding factors. The goal of the policies and regulations is to develop a responsive regulatory regime which is a leader both domestically and in the international AHR community, and reflects the objectives put forward in the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. The program activity gathers input from stakeholders, including the provinces, to ensure a pan-Canadian approach.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity helps generate responsive policies and regulatory frameworks that reflect the interests of all stakeholders in the assisted human reproduction sector, including the Canadians involved in AHR activities.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Increased input of Canadian stakeholders on assisted human reproduction technologies
Increased knowledge of the application of assisted human reproduction procedures in Canada
Health and safety risks related to assisted human reproduction technologies addressed
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Stakeholder and advisory panel involvement and engagement Increased stakeholder coordination and consultation on key assisted human reproduction issues to support and advance regulatory development
Monitoring, collection, and analysis of relevant and current information in assisted human reproduction practices leading to the development of evidence-based policy documents Improved monitoring and awareness of assisted human reproduction practices leading to an increased number of evidence-based policy documents to support regulatory development
Reports and supporting documentation on relevant issues addressed through appropriate regulations and other instruments developed to enforce the Assisted Human Reproduction Act Assisted Human Reproduction Regulations and other instruments to protect the health, safety, dignity, and rights of Canadians using assisted human reproduction technologies and children born from the use of these technologies

Planning Highlights

Health Canada will continue to work with Assisted Human Reproduction Canada on the policies and regulatory regime required to put the Assisted Human Reproduction Act into full operation.

Program Activity: International Health Affairs


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
21.3 20.2 20.4   26 15 15

Health Canada works internationally through leadership, partnerships and collaboration to fulfill its federal mandate of making Canada's population among the healthiest in the world. International Affairs serves as the Department's focal point to initiate, coordinate, and monitor departmental policies, strategies and activities that help promote Canadian priorities and values on the international health agenda. International collaboration on global health issues is important given that the health of Canadians is influenced significantly by public health risks originating from other countries. Global issues such as pandemic influenza preparedness, HIV/AIDS strategies and global health security are addressed with key external health partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Countries and international organizations want to connect quickly to information about Canada's health care system and initiatives. This program activity strives to share Canada's best policies and practices with other countries, and assists in the development of bilateral agreements with numerous countries on important health issues. This program activity delivers strategic policy advice on international health issues to the Minister of Health, senior management and the Health Portfolio, including appropriate representation at international fora concerning the health portfolio. It also manages grants to non-profit organizations for projects in the domain of international health that are aligned with Canada's priorities in global health.

Benefits for Canadians:  Health Canada collaborates with health partners internationally to promote the priorities and values of Canadians and to promote and protect the health of Canadians through this program activity.
Expected Results of Program Activity: 
Increased knowledge and understanding of current and emerging international health issues
Enhanced multilateral, bilateral, regional and intersectoral collaboration on current and emerging international health issues of priority to Canada
Influence the international health agenda in a manner that supports Canada's health priorities, foreign policy and development objectives
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Strategic engagement with stakeholders and other governments (e.g. consultations and outreach activities with key stakeholders and international partners) Increased awareness and knowledge of new approaches, models and best practices related to international health priority issues
Number of new collaborations with key stakeholders on current and emerging international health issues of priority to Canada Increased strategic engagement in international meetings, conferences and fora; and an increased number of Canadian representatives on the boards or committees of key international health organizations
Number of multilateral, bilateral negotiations or agreements that Health Canada leads or supports in order to advance Canada's health priorities An increase in the number of resolutions or policy positions introduced by Health Canada which reflect Canadian priorities, and policy objectives and an increase in the number of international agreements, treaties or memoranda of understanding which advance Canada's health priorities

Planning Highlights

Work under this program activity will support the achievement of all departmental operational priorities by facilitating the engagement of Canada with partner countries, such as the US and Mexico, and with multilateral and international organizations.  It is expected that global health challenges, such as H1N1, will be particularly prominent.

  • Health Canada will continue to engage the key partners noted in the program activity description and with health, academic and other non-governmental organizations to address emerging international health issues and their impacts on Canadians.
  • The Department will continue to build strong bilateral relationships with key countries and regions of interest, including with emerging economies (China, Brazil) and key multilateral partners.  A coordinated approach will focus Health Canada efforts on opportunities most likely to have an impact on the health of Canadians and situations in which Canada can demonstrate health leadership in the Americas and in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as through partnerships such as the Global Health Security Initiative.
  • Canada's engagement in the WHO as a member of its Executive Board over the next three years will provide an opportunity to advance Canadian values and advance Canadian health priorities.

Strategic Outcome #2 - Access to Safe and Effective Health Products and Food, and Information for Healthy Choices

Under this strategic outcome, Health Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health and safety of Canadians by working towards reducing health risks from health products and food and by providing information so Canadians can make informed decisions and healthy choices.

As the federal authority responsible for the regulation of health products and food, Health Canada evaluates and monitors the safety, quality and efficacy of health products as well as the safety and nutritional quality of food.  The Department also promotes the health and well-being of Canadians through a broad range of activities related to health products and food, including developing nutrition policies and standards such as Canada's Food Guide and information to the public in newsletters such as It's Your Health.

Program Activity: Health Products


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
144.7 145.9 145.4   1,782 1,781 1,778.0

The Health Products program activity is responsible for a broad range of health protection and promotion activities that affect the everyday lives of Canadians. Under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, and the Department of Health Act, this program activity evaluates and monitors the safety, quality and effectiveness of drugs (human and animal), biologics, medical devices and natural health products, and conducts surveillance, compliance and enforcement activities.  This program activity also provides timely, evidence-based and authoritative information to stakeholders (including but not limited to: health care professionals such as physicians, pharmacists and practitioners such as herbalists, naturopathic doctors and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners) and members of the public to enable them to make informed decisions and healthy choices.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity helps to protect Canadians from undue risks associated with health products and provides information to Canadians that help them to make informed decisions about their health.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Increased the safety, quality and efficacy of health products imported into and/or manufactured in Canada
Reduced exposure to health risks related to health products
Increased ability to monitor and identify safety concerns
Increased industry awareness and knowledge of regulatory requirements
Safer use of health products by consumers and health professionals
Increased knowledge of post-market drug safety and effectiveness to inform decisions
Reduction in prohibited and unapproved health products entering Canada
Enhanced capacity of Health Canada and industry to identify and respond to risk issues
By 2013, implementation of the five-year Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Proportion of regulatory reviews done within service performance standards Human drugs:  90%
Veterinary drugs:  90%
Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals:  90%
Medical devices:  90%
Percentage of natural health product pre-market submission backlog completed 100% addressed by March 31, 2010
100% completed by December 31, 2010
Number of reports on pharmacovigilance plans received Year-over-year increase in pharmacovigilance plans received
Number of Risk Management and Mitigation Plans received Year-over-year increase in Risk Management and Mitigation Plans received
Number of pre-submission meetings held per year In 2008/09, 49 pre-submission meetings with industry were held for biologic and radiopharmaceutical drugs and expect to receive 59 pre-submission meeting requests in 2009/10.  Anticipate a similar amount in pre-submission meeting requests for biologics and radiopharmaceuticals in 2010-11

In 2008/09, 135 requests were received and accepted for pre-submission meetings with industry for pharmaceutical drugs and expect to receive 125 in 2009/10.  Anticipate a similar amount in pre-submission meeting requests for pharmaceutical drugs for 2010-11
Number of Product Monographs made available to the public In 2010-11, anticipate to have reached an estimated posting of 2000 product monographs on the Health Canada website
Reduction in prohibited and unapproved heath products entering into Canada A yearly increase of Health Canada's oversight of imported health products
Number of hospitals reporting adverse events Year-over-year increase in adverse reaction reports from hospitals
Number of Periodic Safety Update Reports received Year-by-year increase in Periodic Safety Update Reports received

Planning Highlights

Most of the work under this program activity will involve the ongoing activities included in the description above.  This program activity will also be critical for progress on the Department's "Modernized safety framework" operational priority, including support for the Government commitment to modernize the legislative framework for health products, as indicated in recent Speeches from the Throne and Budgets.  As part of its commitment to longer-term innovation and improvement of Canada's health products regulatory activities, the Department will address four major areas of action during 2010-2011.

  • Health Canada will support parliamentary consideration of any legislation affecting health products as well as work to make any regulatory and operational changes needed.
  • As noted in Section I, the Department will also pursue a more consistent approach to its regulatory activities across the full range of its responsibilities.  This will put into place a more consistent risk-based approach within and across regulatory frameworks.
  • The Department will ensure it has the flexibility in its regulatory activities to act promptly when health situations emerge that call for time-sensitive reviews, approval decisions and monitoring of products such as new vaccines developed to respond to a pandemic threat or other sources and alternatives to isotopes to minimize the impact of supply disruptions.
  • Because health products are used in many countries, Health Canada is devoting more attention to monitoring international experiences. The Department will continue to enhance the tracking and use of this information.  This will enable more efficient and effective identification of potential situations that may need to be investigated or addressed.

Program Activity: Food and Nutrition


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
69.7 66.0 63.1   603 599 583

The Food and Nutrition program activity establishes policies, regulations and standards related to the safety and nutritional quality of food. Food safety standards are enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The legislative framework for food is found in the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act and the Department of Health Act.  The program activity also promotes the nutritional health and well-being of Canadians by collaboratively defining, promoting and implementing evidence-based nutrition policies and standards.  As the focal point and authoritative source for nutrition and healthy eating policy and promotion, the program activity disseminates timely, evidence-based and authoritative information to Canadians and stakeholders to enable them to make informed decisions and healthy choices.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity contributes to the protection of Canadians from unsafe foods and helps Canadians to make more informed decisions about their health.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Reduced exposure to health risks related to Food and Nutrition
Increased level of informed choices/healthy decisions related to food and nutrition
Establishment of regulatory and non-regulatory measures to address immediate areas of concern
Performance Indicator: Targets:
Level of Stakeholder and Public Awareness

Health Canada anticipates distributing over 3,500,000 copies of Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide (English and French), over 1,200,000 visits to the Food Guide main page and over 350,000 visits to the My Food Guide online web page

Efforts to increase consumer awareness of the Nutrition Label will continue and in 2010-11, Health Canada anticipates over 5,000 visitors using the Interactive Nutrition Labelling Quiz

Health Canada will continue to strengthen capacity building by interpreting and sharing results from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2.2, Nutrition Focus

Health Canada will establish a Food Regulatory Advisory Committee that will provide broad expert strategic policy advice on the safety of food products and will be composed of representatives from key stakeholder groups

  • Host a technical consultation on its proposed maximum limits (standards) for the presence of the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A in foods
  • Publish a report summarizing the input received during the stakeholder consultations on the enhancement of precautionary labelling of allergens in food
Number of educational tools developed Health Canada will also develop and disseminate:
education tools:
  • Guidance on the preparation of powdered infant formula in the home and hospital/care settings
  • Health Canada will release materials for health professionals and pregnant women to support the implementation of new gestational weight gain guidelines
Proportion of Health Risk Assessments for acute health risks communicated to stakeholders within service standards (as part of the Rapid Response pillar of the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan) 90% within 24-48 hours
Proportion of Health Risk Assessments related to health risks of lesser severity communicated to stakeholders within service standards (as part of the Rapid Response pillar of the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan) 90% within 5-10 days

Planning Highlights

This program activity will continue to be devoted largely to ongoing activities designed to address the food and nutrition concerns of Canadians within Health Canada's mandate.  It will also be a focal point for the "Modernized safety framework" operational priority described in Section I, particularly through progress on the Government's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan.  As part of a commitment to longer-term innovation and improvement, the Department has identified three high-level areas for action.

  • Health Canada will support any parliamentary consideration of the Food and Drugs Act. The Department will also work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other departments to make any regulatory and operational changes needed under the legislation. This will improve the framework for addressing food and nutrition issues which should lead to reduced health risks to Canadians.
  • Health Canada was one of a number of departments and agencies that were involved in addressing the 2008 listeriosis incident. It will apply its own lessons learned and respond to recommendations of the Independent Investigator on the 2008 listeriosis outbreak on improvements that might minimize the risks of such events in the future and improve responses if they do occur. Actions, often involving partners, will include an updated Listeria Policy, strengthened risk assessment capacity, improved detection methods for hazards in foods and a guidance document on the weight of evidence needed to support appropriate and timely actions for food recalls.
  • Under the Growing Forward Initiative, Health Canada will work with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to enhance regulatory responsiveness in the areas of health claims, novel foods and food ingredients, consistent with the Department's commitment to ensure that Canadians can make informed choices on health and nutrition.

Strategic Outcome #3 - Reduced health and environmental risks from products and substances, and healthy, sustainable living and working environments

Health Canada is responsible for assessing and acting on many elements of day-to-day living that have impacts on the health of Canadians. These include drinking water safety, air quality, radiation exposure, substance use and abuse (including alcohol), consumer product safety, tobacco and second-hand smoke, workplace health, and chemicals in the workplace and in the environment. The Department is also engaged in chemical and nuclear emergency preparedness, inspection of food and potable water for the travelling public and health contingency planning for visiting dignitaries.

Much of this work is governed by legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Hazardous Products Act, the Tobacco Act, the Food and Drugs Act, the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, the Quarantine Act, the Pest Control Products Act and others.

Program Activity:Sustainable Environmental Health


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
152.2 61.1 59.7   828 612 612

Environmental factors continue to be a key determinant of health for all Canadians. This program activity promotes and protects the health of Canadians by identifying, assessing and managing health risks posed by environmental factors in living, working and recreational environments. The scope of activities includes: research on drinking water quality, air quality, contaminated sites, toxicology and climate change; clean air programming and regulatory activities; risk assessment and management of: chemical substances, environmental noise, environmental electromagnetic frequencies, products of biotechnology and products of other new and emerging technologies (including nanotechnology); solar ultraviolet radiation; preparedness for radio-nuclear, chemical and biological incidents as well as working with the passenger conveyance industry to protect the travelling public.

Under the Sustainable Environmental Health program activity, Health Canada delivers on the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) by assessing the health risks of and developing risk management strategies for existing chemicals that enter the environment through manufacturing, use in consumer products, or their disposal. Key initiatives under the CMP that support this program activity include: implementing a national bio-monitoring system to track exposure to potentially harmful chemicals; working with industry sectors to develop comprehensive risk management practices that will protect Canadians and the environment; and ensuring that information about chemical substances, their hazards and practices for their safe management is available to Canadians. Under this program activity, Health Canada also works to protect the health of Canadians by assessing and managing new chemicals as well as working with other jurisdictions in improving air quality and safe drinking water.

Benefits for Canadians: In cooperation with Environment Canada, Health Canada works to protect the health of Canadians from environmental risks under this program activity.


Expected Results of Program Activity: 
Timely regulatory system response to new and emerging health risks related to chemicals or substances that are harmful to human health or the environment, and environmental risks to health
New and emerging health risks related to chemicals or substances that are harmful to human health or the environment are identified, assessed and managed
Canadians are knowledgeable of, understand, and are involved in environmental health issues
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Proportion of regulatory activities addressed within service standards/target To be set after baseline is established in 2011
Time period within which serious health risks are brought into a risk management regime
Percentage of the target population aware of environmental health issues

Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)

Budget 2009 identified $6.8 million in 2010-2011 which provides for a one year extension for the Accelerated Remediation of Sites initiative under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.  The one year extension will support program management and additional assessments of priority federal contaminated sites contributing to an improved environment as well as economic development and creating employment opportunities.  Health Canada's role is to provide guidance, training and advice on human health risk assessment to federal custodial departments responsible for contaminated sites.

Planning Highlights

In addition to the regular functions under this program activity, the Department will undertake actions in key areas to address the stated operational priority "Modernized Safety Framework":

  • The Department will continue to focus on implementation of its commitments under the Chemicals Management Plan and will work with Environment Canada to develop and implement a regulatory framework under the Clean Air Agenda to improve air quality and address risks to the health of Canadians.
  • Specific environmental health situations that may arise will be tracked and acted upon, including the Department's emergency preparedness roles related to radio-nuclear, chemical and biological incidents as well as pandemic threats to Canadians.  This will help to realize the expected result for this program activity of a timely response and more knowledgeable Canadians.

Program Activity: Consumer Products


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
33.9 36.9 38.1   265 288 292

Health Canada identifies, assesses, manages and communicates to Canadians the health and safety risks associated with consumer products (those products that adults and children commonly use for personal, family, household and garden use or use in recreational and sports activities). This is achieved through compliance and enforcement actions, consumer and industry outreach activities and surveillance and risk assessment work. Relevant acts include: Hazardous Products Act (consumer products) and Food and Drugs Act (cosmetics regulations).

Benefits for Canadians:  Actions under this program activity minimize the risks that consumer products may pose to Canadians.


Expected Results of Program Activity: 
Increase effective use of standards by industry and improved compliance with product safety obligations
Better informed consumers properly selecting and safely using products
Responsive and proactive, risk-based product safety regulatory framework
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Percentage of inspected registrants/firms/users who are compliant/ non-compliant with product safety obligations Corrective action taken on 100% of non-compliant products inspected identified through targeted cyclical enforcement plan
Number of incidents reported of improper/unsafe use of consumer products Year-over-year decreasing trend in number of reported incidents measured against baseline data to be established in 2010
Percentage of issues addressed under product safety legislation and its regulations Year-over-year improvement in the number of issues addressed.  Targeting 100% of issues addressed by 2014

Planning Highlights

Beyond its ongoing activities, this program activity is linked to the operational priority "Modernized Safety Framework".  The Government's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan will continue to serve as a framework for action through a modernized legislative framework and improved regulatory processes, as indicated in recent Speeches from the Throne and Budgets.  The expected results will include avoiding as many incidents as possible, based on the prevention of harm before it occurs, targeting the areas of highest risk, to ensure that health and safety standards are being met and providing rapid response when required.  The Department has identified two high-level items on the agenda for the program activity as part of a commitment to longer-term innovation and improvement.

  • Health Canada will support parliamentary consideration of any legislation affecting food, health and consumer products as well as work to make any regulatory and operational changes needed.
  • This program activity will be included in the departmental commitment to adopt a more consistent approach to regulatory action across all product areas.  It is expected that a more rigorous process of risk assessment and new mitigation policies and procedures will be established for consumer products.  Work will take place with industry to promote awareness and provide regulatory guidance, consistent with the expected results described above.

Program Activity: Workplace Health


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
20.2 20.1 20.1   331 331 331

This program activity provides services to protect the health and safety of the federal public sector, visiting dignitaries, and others. Specific programs include: the provision of occupational health services to federal employees; delivery of the Employee Assistance Program; emergency health services to Internationally Protected Persons; and dosimetry services (the measurement of personal, occupational exposure to radiation through the reading of "dosimeters" or plaques enclosed in special holders worn by the user for specified periods).

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity supports a well-functioning and healthy public service to provide services to Canadians and seeks to provide emergency health services to Internationally Protected Persons visiting Canada.


Expected Results of Program Activity: 
Timely system response to public service employees with psycho-social health problems
Internationally Protected Persons are protected during regular visits, major events and Prime Minister-led events from risks to their health
Support to departments which enables adherence to Acts, regulations and guidelines
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Percentage of public service employee clients' psycho-social problems dealt with within service standards 70% (represents the current Industry standard)
Percentage of visits/events without serious health related incidents for Internationally Protected Persons or for Canadian Public Servants 100%

Planning Highlights

This program activity will continue to address its ongoing responsibilities in order to generate the expected results described above.  For example, the Department will deliver high-profile health services at the G8 and G20 meetings. It will also contribute to the operational priority "Modernized Safety Framework", by coordinating activities related to pandemic preparedness in departmental and Health Portfolio workplaces, which will demonstrate a modernized approach to emergency preparedness management.

Program Activity: Substance Use and Abuse


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
133.6 134.8 130.3   465 479 476

Through regulatory, programming and educational activities, Health Canada seeks to improve health outcomes by reducing and preventing tobacco consumption and addressing alcohol and drug abuse. Through the Tobacco Act and its regulations, along with the new Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed at Youth Act, Health Canada regulates the manufacture, sale, labelling, and promotion of tobacco products. It also leads the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy - the goals of which are to:  further reduce the prevalence of smoking; reduce exposure to second hand smoke; and, reduce death and disease caused by smoking.

Health Canada administers the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations. Through four regional labs, Health Canada provides expert scientific advice and drug analysis services to law enforcement agencies. The Marihuana Medical Access Regulations control the authorization for use and cultivation of marihuana by those suffering from grave and debilitating illnesses. Health Canada is a partner in the government's National Anti-Drug Strategy which includes: prevention programming aimed at youth; facilitating access to treatment programs; compliance and enforcement activities related to controlled substances and precursor chemicals; and, increased resources to the Drug Analysis Service to support the increase in law enforcement resources.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity helps to address the serious and adverse health effects presented by the use of tobacco products and abuse of controlled substances, which contributes to safer and healthier communities and Canadians.


Expected Results of Program Activity: 
The overall goal of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy is to reduce overall smoking prevalence from 19% (2006) to 12% by 2011
Reduced use and abuse of drugs
Continued provision of high-quality evidence for law enforcement
Increased compliance with legislation and regulations
Increased awareness and understanding of illicit drugs and harmful health and social effects associated with illicit drug use
Strengthened evidence-informed substance abuse treatment systems and services
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Smoking prevalence rate in % of the Canadian Population 12% (Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey)
Prevalence rates of drug use and abuse To be set after baseline is established in 2010
Number/nature of injuries and/or environmental risk caused by unsafe handling of chemicals noted by Drug Analysis Service personnel
Rates of compliance with policies and regulations
Level of awareness about harmful health and social effects associated with illicit drug use
Extent to which the Drug Treatment Funding Program has contributed to and strengthened, evidence-informed substance abuse treatment systems and services

Planning Highlights

  • Ongoing activities and support should continue to help generate the expected results indicated above.  This program activity will also demonstrate the Health Canada commitment to a modernized safety framework, as described in Section I.  The focus of modernization will be on new responsive and efficient regulatory processes, including the implementation of the new Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed at Youth Act which aims to protect children and youth from tobacco industry marketing practices that encourage them to use tobacco products.

Program Activity: Pesticide Regulation


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
47.0 35.0 34.6   588 501 501

To help prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment, and facilitate access to sustainable pest management tools, Health Canada, through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, regulates the importation, sale and use of pesticides under the federal authority of the Pest Control Products Act and its Regulations.

Benefits to Canadians: This program activity contributes to reducing health and environmental risks from pesticides and provides information to Canadians so they can make informed decisions about pesticide use.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Canadians have timely access to new pesticides/pesticide uses that meet standards of value, acceptable human health and environmental risk
Only those older pesticides that meet modern standards remain registered
Registrants, vendors and users comply with the Pest Control Products Act and its regulations
Canadians have access to and are using reduced risk and low risk products and risk reduction strategies
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Pre-market reviews and regulatory decisions on new pesticide products and new uses of pesticide products completed within performance timelines that meet international standards 90% of reviews completed within performance timeline targets
Re-evaluation assessments completed within commitments under the Chemicals Management Action Plan 90% of older registered pest control products have undergone a full review in the last 15 years
Delivery of the National Pesticides Compliance Program including associated investigations / enforcement responses 80% of compliance programs and enforcement activities delivered and reported according to timelines
Development of new transition strategies to use of lower risk pesticides Increased availability of reduced risk and low risk pesticide products
Number of user groups engaged in risk reduction strategies Increased engagement of stakeholder groups in the development of new transition strategies

Planning Highlights

Along with the array of ongoing activities noted in the program activity description above, the continued implementation of all aspects of the Pest Control Products Act and support for re-evaluation of pesticides through the Chemicals Management Plan will demonstrate how Health Canada is responding to the operational priority to modernize its safety framework.

Strategic Outcome 4: - Better Health Outcomes and Reduction of Health Inequalities between First Nations and Inuit and Other Canadians

Health Canada delivers or funds a range of health programs and services to First Nations and Inuit.  A range of primary care services are provided in approximately 200 First Nations communities, largely in rural or remote areas where access to provincial health care services is limited.  In addition, home and community care services are provided in approximately 600 First Nations communities.  Health Canada supports a range of community-based health programs, focusing on children and youth, mental health and addictions, and chronic disease and injury prevention. The Department also delivers a range of public health programs with a focus on communicable disease control, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and vaccine-preventable diseases, environmental public health such as conducting public health inspections and monitoring drinking water quality, and research.  The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program provides over 800,000 eligible First Nations and Inuit with a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services not provided through private insurance plans, provincial/territorial health or social programs or other publicly funded programs.

Program Activity: First Nations and Inuit Health Programming and Services


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
2,199.7 1,977.6 2,017.7   1867 1862 1861

The provision of health programs and services by Health Canada to First Nations and Inuit is rooted in the Federal Indian Health Policy. The Department provides health programs and services to First Nations and Inuit as a matter of policy, using annual Appropriations Acts to obtain Parliamentary approval. Together with First Nations and Inuit and other health partners, Health Canada, through its regional offices, delivers public health and community health programs on-reserve.  These include environmental health and communicable and non-communicable disease prevention, and provision of primary health care services through nursing stations and community health centres in remote or isolated communities to supplement and support the services that provincial, territorial and regional health authorities provide. The Department also supports targeted health promotion programs for Aboriginal people, regardless of residency as well as counselling, addictions and mental wellness services. The Non-Insured Health Benefits coverage of drug, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health services, and medical transportation is available to all eligible First Nations and Inuit in Canada, regardless of residency.

Benefit for Canadians: This program activity contributes to reducing gaps in health status between First Nations and Inuit and other Canadians.


Expected Results of Program Activity:
Better health outcomes and reduction of health inequalities between First Nations and Inuit and other Canadians
Performance Indicators: Targets:
Life expectancy (at birth by gender, on and off reserve), comparison of First Nations and Inuit with other Canadians

Birth weight (comparison of First Nations and Inuit with other Canadians)

Infant mortality rates (comparison of First Nations with other Canadians)

Rates of conditions by type--e.g., diabetes, suicide
Interim targets for 2010/2011:
  • Food security pilot projects implemented in two First Nations and Inuit communities
  • 90% of First Nations communities with a tested pandemic preparedness and response plan
  • 200 sites have access to telehealth services
  • Accreditation of three Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Centres
  • Certification of 100 additional addictions workers
  • 200 First Nations and Inuit youth suicide prevention projects implemented
  • 80 maternal child health projects implemented in 200 communities
  • 600 First Nations communities with diabetes prevention services

Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)

Budget 2009 included $169.9 million for 2010-2011 to strengthen current health programs (Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Primary Care services) and, improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit individuals and move towardsgreater integration with provincial and territorial health systems.  Funding is aimed at addressing the gap between the Department's base level of funding for NIHB and its projected expenditures, and ensuring basic primary care services in remote and isolated communities continue to be available.

Budget 2009 also provided $67.4 million in 2010-2011 for the construction and renovation of health services infrastructure for First Nations, including health facilities and nurses' residences. More than 40 new major construction projects and approximately 230 renovation projects are to be completed by March 31, 2011.

Planning Highlights

The vast majority of expenditures under this program activity will involve ongoing departmental programs and services for First Nations and Inuit health.  However, the federal government has made significant commitments in recent Speeches from the Throne and Budgets to work with First Nations and Inuit, as well as other partners to address key health challenges and pursue innovative approaches to strengthen First Nations and Inuit access to health services and improve health outcomes.  The Department has captured these commitments under the operational priority "Strengthen First Nations and Inuit Health Programming", described in Section I.  In particular, the Department will move forward on five high-level focuses for action.

  • Health Canada will pursue strategies designed to strengthen First Nations and Inuit health programming, such as, targeted health promotion and disease prevention.
  • The Department will work with First Nations communities to address communicable disease outbreaks through supports at the community-level and coordinated approaches with provincial governments that will reduce disparities between First Nations and nearby communities.
  • Investments from Budget 2008 have supported negotiations between the governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) and BC First Nations towards the first tripartite agreement on governance of health services for First Nations.  It is expected that progress will be made toward First Nations and BC health programs and services that are more integrated and harmonized and toward an enhanced role for First Nations in the planning, management and delivery of health services.  Health Canada also will pursue additional tripartite agreements for First Nations in other provinces.
  • In collaboration with First Nation communities, the Department will ensure its planning, prevention, mitigation and response strategies are effective to act promptly when health situations emerge that call for time-sensitive response to a pandemic threat.
  • As noted above as a CEAP initiative, Health Canada will use additional funds provided through Budget 2009 to continue to support the provision of primary care services to First Nations communities and non-insured health benefits coverage to First Nations and Inuit, and complete at least 40 new major construction health facilities infrastructure projects and approximately 230 renovation projects.

Program Activity: Internal Services


Financial Resources ($ millions)   Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
327.6 309.1 301.2   2652 2578 2570

Health Canada has a range of internal services.  Some, in areas such as financial, administrative, real property, security, human resources, information management and information technology, provide the basic operational services that enable the Department to function while ensuring compliance to new and existing central agency policies.  Other internal services in Health Canada address departmental and Health Portfolio needs such as general communications and policy activities, as well as managing relations with Parliamentarians, the Cabinet system and other government departments and levels of government.  An additional set of internal service roles centre on critical departmental and government-wide responsibilities, such as ensuring the best value for Canadians through planning, accountability and tracking performance and results.

Those responsible for internal services within Health Canada will continue to focus on their ongoing responsibilities while continuing to build on the use of department-wide enterprise approaches in such areas as learning, information technology and information management.  Many will directly help to oversee, deliver or support one or more of the three management priorities that are set out below.  In addition to those efforts, the Department will address specific issues and opportunities that arise.  For example, Health Canada will continue to develop business continuity plans related to issues, such as impacts of an influenza pandemic on Health Canada employees and workplaces, to ensure critical services are delivered to Canadians.

Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)

Budget 2009 included $7.1 million for 2010-2011 to address the deferred maintenance at Health Canada's laboratory facilities.  This initiative will address building code, safety, barrier-free accessibility issues, and compliance with regulations as well as addressing deferred maintenance and recapitalization of assets.  Investing in Health Canada laboratories will ensure that laboratory facilities and operations can be aligned efficiently with business priorities.

Planning Highlights

Initiatives to enhance corporate culture to increase accountability and effectiveness will continue. The strategic policy renewal initiative, for example, will continue with the collaborative practices initiated in the previous year to identify medium and longer term priorities. These include the use of modern technology to leverage the tremendous knowledge and expertise resident in the Department at all levels. Health Canada will focus on other such initiatives as it continues its internal improvements to ensure that it is well positioned to deliver the programs and services that Canadians want and expect from it.

To leverage the benefits of Canada's Economic Action Plan investments and support progress on the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, Health Canada will put a Science Plan in place. The Plan will set out departmental science priorities over the next three to five years, improve the management and planning of science, enhance its access and capacity required to deliver on the Department's mandate. It will include a coherent and workable plan under the Laboratory Infrastructure Renewal, related to the evaluation of the mission critical needs to science activities in the Department and improved access to external science. The Science Plan will also guide the development of policy frameworks and plans on science policy issues in health-related emerging technologies. These may include fields such as genomics, bioethics and nanotechnology that will support departmental responsibilities in the following areas: policy and regulation, science and skills, and internal and external awareness.

The Department will continue to act on its human resource priorities through the Talent Management Strategy and investments in people in line with government-wide Public Service Renewal commitments.  This will include an updated alignment of human resource practices with current Health Canada business goals and talent needs.  Strategies will seek to improve organizational performance through the active engagement, development and retention of employees.  A focus on building talent will involve learning and development programs with particular emphasis on reaching the Department's staff in its policy, science and regulatory, health services/program delivery, and internal services communities.

Comprising over 30% of Health Canada's staff, the regional operations represent the face of the Department to the people of Canada.  They are the program and service delivery arm for Health Canada, specifically in the areas of First Nations and Inuit health, occupational health and safety, inspection and surveillance, prevention and treatment of illicit drug use and abuse, and health and food products.  Health Canada's regional operations will strengthen their role as a key strategic business partner in supporting the Department by delivering on its operational and management priorities.

In recent years, Health Canada has made considerable strides in its corporate planning, accountability and reporting processes.  The Department will build on the progress and lessons learned to date in three areas.  First, it will enhance the integration of planning, monitoring and reporting to improve information for decision-making.  Planning and reporting results will be enhanced with improved performance measurement indicators as part of an updated Program Activity Architecture.  Second, Health Canada will enhance its existing Financial Management Control Framework to ensure the effective allocation and monitoring of financial resources to achieve departmental objectives and priorities.  Third, the Department expects increased effectiveness in its management of grants and contributions programs by moving toward a more risk-based approach for decision-making through the introduction of new tools that will ensure a stronger focus on higher risk areas.

Health Canada intends to increase departmental transparency and engagement with Canadians.  One way will be to develop and implement effective, up-to-date departmental tools and processes for engaging Canadians.  Another will be to bring about systematic, comprehensive departmental approaches for communicating with, engaging and collaborating with stakeholders and citizens in the development and review of departmental policies and programs, and ensuring public access to timely, relevant health and safety information.  Together, these actions involve all of Health Canada's policy and program areas working together to help achieve Health Canada goals such as improved performance of the Department's regulatory functions, better program design and delivery and better response from Canadians to departmental communications about health-related issues.