Page 2: Public Health Agency of Canada– 2015-2016 – Departmental Performance Report - Minister's Message

As the Minister of Health, I am pleased to present the 2015–16 Departmental Performance Report for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This year's report has been restructured to shift the focus on how existing resources are serving to achieve better health outcomes for all Canadians.

As a physician, I can attest to the number of social and economic factors that influence and determine our health. It is critical that we uncover what makes and keeps us healthy to strive for improved health amongst all Canadians. When Canadians are in good physical and mental health, they lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Throughout 2015–16, PHAC played a vital role in supporting the health of Canadians in many ways. In collaboration with partners, PHAC focused on key public health priorities such as increasing vaccination rates with a view to reducing vaccine-preventable diseases. PHAC also worked with partners to raise awareness of and promote positive mental health, especially those initiatives that benefit Indigenous Peoples, youth, and seniors.

But it's not enough to focus solely on the health of the Canadian population. In today's interconnected world, Canada's health priorities don't stop at our borders. We saw that when Canadians welcomed more than 25,000 Syrian refugees. PHAC worked tirelessly with other government departments, provinces, territories, and stakeholders to share information about the health needs of arriving refugees, coordinated the necessary assessment and screening, and facilitated referrals to care services required by our new Canadians. Adopting a more global outlook to health is especially important when increased instances of local health crises can quickly become threats to wellness worldwide. I am especially pleased with PHAC's critical role in enabling Canada and other countries to detect, respond to and control new and emerging public health challenges both at home and around the globe.

Much has been accomplished this past year, and I look forward to playing my part in supporting the culture of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making that will result in better health outcomes for all Canadians.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health