A Vision to Transform Canada's Public Health System

Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2021

A message from Canada's Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO)

The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public health crisis we have faced in a century. It has tested health systems in Canada and around the world, but we can act now to ensure we are better prepared for the future.

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Report summary

The annual report of the CPHO examines the state of public health in Canada. This year’s report describes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a blueprint to strengthen our public health system for all people in Canada.

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Annual report 2021

Full report

Examines the role of public health in Canada and the impacts of COVID-19 on our public health system. It also outlines a vision for a stronger and better equipped system for us all.

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The way forward

Outlines 4 priority action areas for Canadian public health system transformation so we are better prepared for current and future health challenges.

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Companion documents

What we heard

Summary of public health leader, practitioner, researcher and policy-maker discussions that helped inform the annual report.

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Research priorities

Proposes priority areas for future research to support public health system transformation in Canada.

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Independent reports

Four reports commissioned by the CPHO to inform her vision of public health renewal, developed independently by leading experts.

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Additional resources

Statement from Dr. Theresa Tam on the release of the 2021 CPHO report

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