Strengthening Federal Action in the Canadian Response to HIV/AIDS

Conclusion

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is an important step toward a fully integrated federal response to HIV/AIDS. It clearly defines the federal role and the responsibilities of the principal federal departments and agencies engaged in addressing HIV/AIDS in Canada and abroad.

New, expanded and improved relationships with other levels of government and with domestic and international non-governmental stakeholders are key to the success of the Initiative. Strategic partnerships are necessary not only to maximize additional investment in HIV/AIDS research and programming, but to foster policy and program coherence and encourage complementary knowledge and expertise.

Ultimately, the people best situated to understand the reality of HIV/AIDS, with all its complexities, are those already living with the disease. The key to understanding the epidemic and how best to respond is found in their life stories - stories that can reveal truths about ourselves as individuals, how we live in society and how we can work together to foster healthier living environments for all, and particularly for people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.