Public Health Agency of Canada 2019–2020 Departmental Results Report: Supplementary Information Tables

Table of Contents

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016-19 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):

In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), or equivalent document, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.

Section 2: Sustainable Development in the Public Health Agency of Canada

PHAC's DSDS for 2017 to 2020 describes the Agency's actions in support of achieving three of the thirteen long-term goals identified in the FSDS: effective action on climate change, clean drinking water, and low-carbon government. This progress report presents available results for the Agency's actions pertinent to the three goals. The progress report also links the departmental action to the corresponding United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target supported by the action.

Section 3: Departmental Performance by FSDS Goal

The following tables provide performance information on the Agency's actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

FSDS Goal: Low-Carbon Government

The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon

FSDS Target: FSDS Contributing Action Corresponding Departmental Action(s) Starting point(s); Performance indicators(s); Target(s) Results Starting point(s); Performance indicators(s); Target(s)
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025. 1. Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations. Adopt and maintain approaches and activities that reduce Health Canada's and PHAC's energy use, where operationally feasible, and improve overall environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings. The objective being 'greener' buildings that require less energy to operate, reduce emissions and pollutants, conserve water, generate less solid waste and have decreased operation and maintenance costs.

Performance Indicator

All applicable existing custodial building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects will have achieved an industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance.

Not Applicable

PHAC did not conduct building fit-ups, refits, major investments, or new construction that meets the criteria as set by TBS.

Actions that reduce the demand for energy or switch to cleaner sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs.

Performance Indicator

Real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations will have clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated in their performance agreements.

Delayed

Real property managers and functional heads will be required to complete the Green Procurement (C215) online course from the Canadian School of Public Service (CSPS). This requirement will be added to their work objectives by July 31, 2020.

Starting Point

In 2017-18, PHAC's GHG emissions from facilities that the Agency owns and operates, (n = 4, 41,737 m²) was 8103 t CO2eq).

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020 PHAC will report on its GHG emissions from custodial facilities:

  • Energy use intensity (MJ/m²).
  • GHG emission intensity by floor space (kg CO2/eq/m².
  • Density of use (workstation/m²).

Achieved

  • PHAC's GHG emissions from facilities that PHAC owns and operates, (n = 4, 41,737 m2) was 6,922 t CO2eq.
  • The energy use intensity for PHAC's 4 custodial laboratories in 2019-20 was 5,091 MJ/m2.
  • The GHG emission intensity by floor space for PHAC's 4 custodial laboratories in 2019-20 was 165.8 kg CO2/eq/m².
  • Workstation/m2 density of use is not a metric used for identifying functionality in a laboratory environment.
  • By March 31, 2020, PHAC had reduced GHG emissions from facilities by 3% from the 2005-06 baseline. A total reduction of 249
  • t CO2eq.
  • Note: The initial performance indicator used a 2017-18 baseline but 2005-06 historical data was obtained for reporting purposes, allowing for improved comparability with other federal departments.

Performance Indicator

In 2019-20, PHAC will begin to systematically use RETScreen technology to inform decisions related to building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects.

Achieved

Natural Resources Canada assisted PHAC with the loading of all energy use from 2005-06 into RETScreen, for the purposes of monitoring building performance. Some data quality concerns exist and are being rectified. PHAC will begin entering monthly energy use data into RETScreen in 2020-21.

2. Modernize our fleet.

Support the reduction of energy use in Health Canada and the PHAC fleet by selecting the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle to meet operational requirements, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and developing fleet infrastructure (e.g. charging stations).
Undertake a feasibility study regarding the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at the PHAC-owned buildings.

Starting Point

In 2018-19, PHAC installed telematics devices in all Agency's vehicles.

Performance Indicator

Beginning in 2019-20, PHAC will analyze telematics data as a tool to effectively manage and 'right-size' the Agency's fleet.

Achieved

Telematics data was analysed in the fall of 2019 in order to determine the right size of the Agency's fleet. Based on the analysis, PHAC has the correct amount of vehicles for its fleet but will need to continue to replace older gas-powered vehicles with greener vehicles.

  • # vehicles divested: -2
  • # vehicles purchased: +1
  • # vehicles transferred in: +1
  • Net change in vehicles = 0
  • Increase or decrease in hybrids/ Zero
  • Emission Vehicles (ZEV) = +1

Performance Indicator

Following a feasibility study on the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at PHAC-owned buildings, a review will be conducted by September 30, 2019 to determine if there is support for the investment and assessed options.

Achieved

The feasibility study was conducted in May 2019. The study looked at the viability of installing charging stations for use by employees and whether access to charging stations would encourage employees to purchase electric vehicles. Upon review, there is little incentive to installing charging stations at PHAC-owned buildings, as the main barrier to purchasing an electric vehicle was found to be the initial cost. As such, PHAC does not recommend investing in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at this time.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicles will be ZEV or hybrid, subject to operational requirements. All on-road vehicles that are not hybrid or ZEVs will require an approved exemption form, signed by the fleet manager, indicating the reason for right-sizing for operational needs and confirming that the right-sizes vehicle is the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or an alternative-fuel vehicle.

Achieved

PHAC purchased one new light-duty vehicle in the reporting period and it was a hybrid vehicle.

Starting point

Since 2017-18, 100% of PHAC's executive fleet purchases have been hybrid or ZEV.

Performance Indicator
100% of new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission or hybrid.

Not Applicable

There were no new executive vehicles purchased in this reporting period.

3. Understand climate change impacts and build resilience.

Review assets (buildings, fleet) to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are inventoried and that any impacts to climate change are quantified.

Performance Indicator

Assets (buildings and fleet) will continue to be reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are tracked and impacts to climate change are quantified.

In 2019-20, there will continue to be a particular focus on defining parameters for metrics (in addition to buildings and fleet) with other federal departments to allow for comparability.

Achieved

The National Microbiology Laboratory continues to measure, document, and review energy use at its three custodial laboratories. Opportunities for energy reduction and the application of alternative energy sources are discussed and reviewed at regular intervals throughout the fiscal year. The adaption of RETScreen will allow for improved intelligence and accuracy when it comes to estimating energy and greenhouse gas reduction.

Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government's risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making.

4. Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement. Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into departmental procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal, and ensuring there is the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management will have completed the CSPS green procurement course or equivalent, or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Achieved

In 2019-20, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the CSPS green procurement course or included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. GHG reductions are one area of consideration in green procurement.

Performance Indicator

By March, 31, 2020, 100% of performance evaluations for procurement and materiel management managers will continue to include a discussion about how they supported and contributed to the PHAC's green procurement practices.

Achieved

In 2019-20, 100% of performance evaluations with procurement and materiel management managers included a discussion about how they supported and contributed to the Agency's green procurement practices.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 80% of office supply purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the supplies.

Achieved

In 2019-20, 100% of in-scope office supply purchases included considerations of environmental impacts associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies. This included such things as recycled content and environmental attributes of the supplier (such as efficient manufacturing processes, "green" offices, or recycling programs).

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 92% of information technology hardware purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment.
Note: this is done is conjunction with Shared Services Canada as the IT procurement authority.

Achieved

In 2019-20, 100% of in-scope IT hardware purchases (e.g. laptop) included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment.

With regards to disposal, Health Canada and PHAC used the services of Government of Canada Surplus as well as the Computers for Schools Program.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 acquisition card training will be updated to include a section that provides best practices on green procurement.

Behind Schedule

While this was not completed by the end of FY 2019-20, this performance target was achieved by the end of Q1 of FY 2020-21.

Best practices for green procurement has been added to the Acquisition Card training information section available on PHAC's employee intranet site.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 procurement training materials and reference guides for Cost Centre Managers and Cost Centre Administrators will be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect the life cycle approach identified in the Government of Canada's Greening Government Strategy and to provide links to additional green procurement training, information and practices.

Achieved

In 2019-20, procurement training materials and reference guides for Cost Centre Managers and Cost Centre Administrators were updated to reflect the life cycle approach identified in the Greening Government Strategy. PHAC intranet links and materials were also added on green procurement training, information and practices.

For example, the Contracting 101 course was updated in December 2019 to include a review of the green procurement content for its accuracy. The course content also includes references to the DSDS as well as the CSPS Green Procurement Online Course.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 Health Canada's and PHAC's acquisition card newsletter will include a section that provides best practices on green procurement. This newsletter is sent to all cardholders and their managers.

Behind Schedule

The addition of a section on best practices for green procurement was slightly delayed, but was added to the June 3, 2020 monthly acquisition card e-mail, via a link to the Material Management and Assets Directorate's training materials on green procurement.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada's and PHAC's intranet will have been reviewed and updated to reflect the green procurement objectives of Canada's Greening Government Strategy, where applicable.

Achieved

In 2019-20, 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada and PHAC's intranet were reviewed and updated to reflect the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada's Greening Government Strategy, where applicable.

For example, PHAC's mandatory Contract Request Form and Procurement Checklist includes a section pertaining to green procurement, which consistently aligns with the Greening Government Strategy.

5. Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable work practices. Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable work practices.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, four outreach and communication activities for employees will be undertaken in order to raise awareness about research related to climate change and to promote best practices and tools in support of Greening Government Strategy objectives.

Achieved

In 2019-20, PHAC continued to engage employees via their online Sustainable Workplace Operations Community of Practice (The Green Team); the Green Team promotes green initiatives at PHAC and elsewhere in the Government of Canada, links articles of interest on SD and climate change, and highlights flagship environmental events (e.g. Earth Hour).

PHAC organized 10 outreach activities and communication activities to raise awareness about climate change and promote best practices/tools in support of Greening Government Strategy objectives.

Increased awareness about sustainable work practices could help to reduce the amount of GHG emissions produced by staff activities (e.g. encourage employees to consider less GHG intensive modes of transportation for business travel).

Performance Indicator

By March 2020, PHAC will undertake a feasibility study to implement a pilot project for a green commuter service.

Achieved

In 2019-20, PHAC undertook a feasibility study for a green commuter service, and subsequently submitted a proposal to the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Greening Government Fund, to request funding for a commuter shuttle service. The goal of the proposal was to reduce GHG emissions by providing the National Capital Region (NCR) employees with an alternative option to personal vehicles. TBS received a number of proposals, and PHAC's proposal was not chosen for funding.

PHAC teamed-up with the City of Ottawa to highlight green travel options available to the Agency through the Ottawa Ride Match program. With Ottawa Ride Match, PHAC employees can join an Ottawa/Gatineau-wide network of commuters looking for active and sustainable travel options such as carpooling, transit, cycling and walking; find a carpool partner. PHAC's promotion of this service was put on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic escalated.

FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change

A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting the global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

FSDS Target: FSDS Contributing Action Corresponding Departmental Action(s) Starting point(s); Performance indicators(s); Target(s) Results Contribution by Each Departmental Results to the FSDS Goal and Target and UN SDG

By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels.

1. Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change.

Contribute to the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (specifically sub-theme 4.3.1 - Addressing climate change-related health risks) by developing and implementing a new Infectious Disease and Climate Change (IDCC) program, which includes a Grants and Contributions Fund, and reduces the risks associated with climate-driven infectious diseases.

Starting point

Note: Starting points will be established within the next 2 years.

Target(s)/performance indicator(s):

2019-20 Performance Indicators include:

  • Number of organizations and/or partners mobilized to support communities of practice (i.e. subject matter experts who share a common interest in a given area of expertise and work together to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration)
  • Number of Lyme and other vector-borne disease tools developed to support decision making

Effective 2020-2021:

(Medium Term Indicators - 3-5 years)

  • Number of collaborations with organizations, including the Métis Nation, on climate change and emerging infectious diseases
  • Number of new/enhanced systems and/or tools

Achieved

Through PHAC's IDCC Program, PHAC continues to deliver on commitments in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

PHAC scientists have been working on vector-borne diseases with climatologists, ecologists, veterinarians, wildlife and livestock health specialists to:

  • Undertake risk assessments for the emergence and re-emergence of climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases that identify public health priorities and feed vulnerability, capacity, and adaptation assessments.
  • Undertake surveillance for identified disease risks.
  • Develop tools to support adaptation efforts by public health including risk communications by developing and sharing risk maps, disease forecasting tools and knowledge synthesis on ways to prevent and control identified disease risks to inform federal, provincial and territorial decision-making.

In 2019-20, PHAC officials continued to engage the Métis National Council and Governing Members to advance work on health and climate change as part of the Métis' dedicated funding from Budget 2017.

PHAC led a panel session and poster on "Empowering Action on Health, Infectious Disease and Climate Change" at the Adaptation Canada 2020 conference held in Vancouver. Three IDCC Fund recipients presented with the aim of building capacity, raising awareness, sharing tools and information and broadening collaboration and engagement among delegates in preparing for and responding to climate-driven infectious diseases.

The IDCC Fund compliments PHAC led efforts and has invested in projects to build tools and resources to equip health professionals, communities, and Canadians to protect themselves from climate-driven infectious diseases.

  • In 2019-20: 7 new projects were funded, and 4 existing projects were expanded; and 4 projects were completed.
  • The 20 active IDCC Fund projects have facilitated ongoing knowledge dissemination and outreach events through 28 media coverage activities, establishing 88 new multi-sectoral partnerships and/or collaborations, creating almost 150 products and by attending nearly 110 knowledge exchange events.

In 2019-20, PHAC launched a new multidisciplinary webinar series, "Zoonoses and Adaptation in a Changing World" to increase awareness and knowledge, and establish a dialogue among the zoonoses and climate change adaptation communities in Canada. These webinars were attended by representatives from academia, clinical practice, and federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments.

PHAC created opportunities to hear from domestic and international multidisciplinary stakeholders on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in order to bridge insights and action, identify priority areas where the federal government should focus its efforts, and to provide opportunities for networking and collaboration amongst diverse stakeholder groups and disciplines.

PHAC's annual Lyme disease education and awareness campaign has provided Canadians with access to educational tools and resources on the prevention and detection of Lyme disease through awareness materials such as a tick removal wallet card, a tick hiding spot poster, Indigenous adaptation of printed and online products, posters and handouts at national parks, educational videos, proactive social media campaigns, innovative and interactive tools, reliable and up-to-date information on Canada.ca/Lyme disease, and partnerships with retail outlets and community groups.

Over 180,000 products have been distributed to provinces, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders, and have been distributed free of charge to Canadians all across Canada, including at 25 national parks.

The interactive Children's Travelling Tick Exhibit was on display at 18 locations in 15 cities across three provinces over the summer months.

The Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network continued its work to improve surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease in Canada, through funding support from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and PHAC.

Implement the Infectious Disease and Climate Change program which intends to address the impact of climate change on human health by building and increasing access to infectious disease-based evidence, education and awareness. The focus will be on preparing for and protecting Canadians from climate-driven infectious diseases that are zoonotic (diseases that can be transmitted from animals and insects to humans), foodborne or water-borne.

FSDS Goal: Clean Drinking Water

All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed.

FSDS Target: FSDS Contributing Action Corresponding Departmental Action(s) Starting point(s); Performance indicators(s); Target(s) Results Contribution by Each Departmental Results to the FSDS Goal and Target and UN SDG

By March 31, 2019, 60% and by March 31, 2021, 100% of the long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nation drinking water systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada are to be resolved.

1. Use regulations to ensure clean drinking water.

Implement "Potable Water on Board Trains, Vessels, Aircraft and Buses Regulations" (Potable Water Regulations) including conducting inspections and assessments on international and interprovincial airplanes, trains, cruise ships, ferries and buses to protect the health and safety of the travelling public, ensuring that critical violations are mitigated in a timely manner.

Starting point

The percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that met public health requirements in fiscal year 2013-14 was 88%

Performance indicator(s)

Percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that meet public health requirements.

Target/s

95%

Achieved

The percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that met public health requirements in fiscal year 2019-20 was 96%, an increase of two percentage points from the previous year, and above the target of 95%.

This action corresponds to the overall FSDS goal of clean drinking water for all Canadians, and is not specifically related to First Nations drinking water.

The implementation of Potable Water Regulations will ensure that passenger transportation operators are compliant with the regulations and the water on their transport is safe for travelling public consumption.

Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development at PHAC

Report on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

During the 2019-20 reporting period, PHAC considered the environmental effects of proposals subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive), as part of its decision-making processes.

The Agency applied the SEA process to all PHAC-led proposals that required preliminary scans, as per the Cabinet Directive, which included seven Treasury Board Submissions, nine Budget Proposals, three Memoranda to Cabinet, and one Regulatory Proposal. One PHAC-led proposal was found to potentially positively contribute to the 2016-19 FSDS goal of Effective Action on Climate Change. PHAC did not develop any initiatives that required a detailed SEA, so no related public statements were produced by the Agency.

In 2019-20, PHAC continued to strengthen the Agency's compliance with the Cabinet Directive. With the exception of two fast-moving proposals, the Agency implemented the early integration of environmental considerations in PHAC-led proposals subject to the Cabinet Directive.

Integrating Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development Champion (SD Champion) and the Sustainable Development Office (SDO) engage in outreach activities, to senior management and employees, to advance sustainable development commitments and to support compliance with the Cabinet Directive. This outreach also helps to build awareness and capacity in the application of sustainable development into policy and program development and planning processes.

More broadly, at the enterprise level, the SD Champion and the SDO communicate and promote sustainable development within the Agency and advance the integration of environmental, economic, and social factors, as well as FSDS and DSDS commitments in PHAC policies, programs, and plans.

The Agency continues to support existing sustainable workplace initiatives and environmentally-positive workplace practices. At the same time, PHAC has taken a leadership role by launching new sustainable workplace initiatives. The Sustainable Workplace Operations Community of Practice - the PHAC Green Team - serves as an open forum for employees to share and discuss ideas and best practices, and to collaborate on activities and initiatives that promote a greener environment and support sustainable workplace operations. In 2019-20, the PHAC Green Team planned and promoted several green initiatives at PHAC and highlighted others across the government. The PHAC Green Team also linked to articles of interest on sustainable development and climate change, and profiled global flagship environmental events such as Earth Hour and World Oceans Day.

In 2019-20, PHAC also continued to support knowledge exchange on sustainable development research. To celebrate Canadian Environment Week 2019, PHAC hosted a presentation and discussion on climate change and public health. In addition, PHAC published several online scientific journal articles on health, climate change and sustainable development-related issues, in the Canadian Communicable Disease Report and Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research Policy and Practice.

Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC)

General information

Start date: 1995-96

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Promotion

Description

Objective(s): Provide Indigenous preschool children off-reserve in rural, remote, urban, and Northern settings with a positive sense of self, a desire for learning, and opportunities to develop fully and successfully as young people.

Why this transfer payment program (TPP) is Necessary: Indigenous children are at higher risk of poor developmental and health outcomes than non-Indigenous children. Considerable evidence supports the mitigating role of community-based early childhood development programs in the lives of children facing similar risks.

Intervention Method(s): Funded projects must incorporate the six core program components (health promotion, nutrition, education, Indigenous culture and language, parental involvement, and social support) into their program design. Within the context of this pan-Canadian consistency, sites are locally-tailored to the needs and assets within their communities.

Repayable contributions: No.

Results achieved

In 2017-18,Footnote 1 AHSUNC provided services to over 4,000 Indigenous children and their families at 134 sites in 117 communities across Canada. Of these, 82% of children enrolled were between 3 to 5 years of age. First Nations children represented 53% of the children enrolled followed by Metis (18%) and Inuit (13%). The majority of sites (85%) supported the inclusion of family and community as volunteers including parents and caregivers of current child participants, Indigenous Elders and community members.

The 2015 AHSUNC Participant SurveyFootnote 2 found that the program was having a positive impact on the health and well-being of the children, as well as their families. For example:

The survey also found, that the program engaged and supported parents and caregivers as the primary teachers and caregivers for children. Because of coming to this program:

Additional evidence from 2017-18, showed that the AHSUNC program has been successful in leveraging partnerships and advancing PHAC's public health priorities. For example:

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. The next evaluation is scheduled for 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Recipients are engaged through targeted solicitations. Funded recipients are expected to deliver comprehensive, holistic, culturally-appropriate, locally-controlled and designed programs for Indigenous children and families facing conditions of risk across Canada. In addition, the National Aboriginal Head Start Council (NAHSC), the Indigenous-led advisory group consisting of 13 AHSUNC community representatives, provides advice and expertise on the development of policies, implementation, performance measurement / evaluation, research priorities, emerging issues, training and other activities relating to the AHSUNC program.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 44,118,458 35,107,539 32,134,000 36,378,087 36,378,087 4,244,087
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 44,118,458 35,107,539 32,134,000 36,378,087 36,378,087 4,244,087

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to the new funding received for the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC).

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)

General information

Start date: 1994-95

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Promotion

Description

Objective(s): Mitigate health inequalities for pregnant women and infants, improve maternal-infant health, increase the rates of healthy birth weights, as well as promote and support breastfeeding. The TPP also seeks to promote the creation of partnerships within communities and to strengthen community capacity in order to increase support for vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers.

Why this TPP is Necessary: Evidence shows that maternal nutrition, as well as the level of social and emotional support provided to a mother and her child, can affect both prenatal and infant health as well as longer-term physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning in adulthood. This program raises stakeholder awareness and supports a coherent, evidence-based response to the needs of vulnerable children and families on a local and national scale. It also supports knowledge development and exchange on promising public health practices related to maternal-infant health for vulnerable families, community-based organizations and practitioners.

Intervention method(s): Programming delivered across the country includes: nutrition counselling; provision of prenatal vitamins; food and food coupons; parenting classes; social supports; and education on prenatal health, infant care, child development, and healthy living.

Repayable contributions: No.

Results achieved

In 2017-18,Footnote 1 the CPNP provided programming to over 47,000 participants including pregnant women, postnatal women, and other parents/caregivers.
Survey data collected in 2018 found that CPNP program participants gained knowledge and skills to support maternal, child and family health. For example, as a result of coming to the program:

In addition, the CPNP was shown to leverage partnerships and additional funding sources, as demonstrated through the following results:

In 2017-18, CPNP projects partnered most frequently with health organizations such as public health units, community health centres or clinics, family resource/early childhood/daycare centres and community organizations.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. An evaluation is currently underway and will cover the period of 2015-20.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Recipients are engaged through targeted solicitations. Funded recipients are expected to deliver comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, locally-controlled and designed programs for pregnant women, new mothers, their infants and families facing conditions of risk across Canada.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 26,209,733 26,214,057 27,189,000 26,264,198 26,264,197 (924,803)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 26,209,733 26,214,057 27,189,000 26,264,198 26,264,197 (924,803)

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to funding sent from CPNP to CAPC.

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)

General information

Start date: 1993-94

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Promotion

Description

Objective(s): Fund community-based groups and coalitions to develop and deliver comprehensive, culturally appropriate, early intervention and prevention programs to mitigate health inequalities and promote the health and development of children aged 0-6 years and their families facing conditions of risk. The TPP also seeks to promote the creation of partnerships within communities and to strengthen community capacity to increase support for vulnerable children and their families.

Why this TPP is Necessary: Compelling evidence shows that risk factors, such as low income, food security, and teenage pregnancy, affecting the health and development of children can be mitigated over the life course by investing in early intervention services that address the needs of the whole family.

Intervention Method(s): Programming across the country may include education on health, nutrition, early childhood development, parenting, healthy living, and social supports.

Repayable Contributions: No.

Results achieved

In 2017-18,Footnote 1 CAPC provided services to over 231,000 participants.

Data collected in 2018 showed that a significant proportion of CAPC participants experience conditions of risk that may affect their health and well-being. CAPC has also been successful in helping to mitigate health inequalities for the program participants. For example, the CAPC program contributed to building knowledge and skills of parents and caregivers, which supports maternal, child, and family health. A 2018 survey of participants revealed that, as a result of participating in CAPC:

Additional evidence showed that 90% of respondents reported their child's health and well-being improved; 86% of respondents reported having a better relationship with their child; and 89% reported having more people to talk to when they need support as a result of coming to the CAPC program.

Results have been consistent overtime and have shown that parents and caregivers feel the program is having a positive impact on their parenting knowledge and skills and the health and well-being of their child.

The CAPC has also been successful in leveraging partnerships and additional funding sources. For example:

In 2017-18, CAPC projects partnered most frequently with health organizations such as public health units, community health centres or clinics, community organizations, and educational institutions.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. An evaluation is currently underway and will cover the period of 2015-20.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Recipients are engaged through targeted solicitations. Funded recipients are expected to deliver comprehensive, culturally-appropriate, locally-controlled and designed programs for at-risk children 0-6 years and families facing conditions of risk across Canada.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 54,214,932 54,169,724 53,400,000 54,164,911 54,164,910 764,910
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 54,214,932 54,169,724 53,400,000 54,164,911 54,164,910 764,910

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to funding sent from CPNP to CAPC.

Economic Action Plan 2015 Initiative - Brain Health

General information

Start date: 2015-16

End date: 2019-20

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015-16

Link to department's Program Inventory: Evidence for Health Promotion, and Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

Description

Objective(s): Support Baycrest Health Sciences in the establishment and operation of the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). The CABHI will be a national hub of leading organizations dedicated to the development, validation, commercialization, dissemination, and adoption of brain health and aging technologies and services.

Why this TPP is Necessary: There are current needs to improve health outcomes and the quality of life of individuals living with dementia and other brain health conditions, particularly in the absence of readily available treatments or cures. By facilitating the use of the latest research, technologies, and interventions through partnership and collaboration across multiple sectors, Canadians can benefit from new innovations in products, services, and care that will have a measurable impact on improving cognitive, emotional, and physical health outcomes within an aging population.

Intervention Method(s): The TPP facilitates partnerships with senior care providers/care organizations, academic and industry partners, non-profit organizations, and government to accelerate the development, validation, dissemination, and adoption of innovative products, practices, and services designed to support brain health and aging.

Repayable Contributions: No.

Results achieved

Through its funding programs, the CABHI supports innovations that address challenges associated with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. CABHI helps innovators gain access to key user groups in order to test, develop, validate and accelerate their solution in the field of aging and brain health. In 2019-20, CABHI reports that it assessed 278 project proposals; approved and launched 91 new projects; evaluated 89 products, practices, and services; and supported the creation of 158 new jobs.

Examples of 2019-20 projects include:

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

Evaluation of the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Contribution Program (CABHI)

The evaluation found that in its first four years of operation, CABHI has achieved notable success by demonstrating improvements to the resources, capabilities, and performance of target stakeholders. At the same time, if CABHI continues beyond its original five-year agreement, PHAC should consider exploring any possible flexibility in its funding agreement with CABHI and explore how CABHI could better support vulnerable populations.

The next evaluation is scheduled for 2024-25.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Budget 2015 identified Baycrest Health Sciences as the recipient of the funding to support the establishment of CABHI.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 10,000,000 12,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 10,000,000 12,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 0

Explanation of variances
N/A

Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention- Multi-Sectoral Partnerships

General information

Start date: 2005-06

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant & Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Chronic Disease and Prevention

Description

Objective(s): Leverage the knowledge, expertise, reach, and resources of multi-sectoral partners to support innovative approaches focused on the promotion of healthy living and the prevention of chronic disease.

Why this TPP is Necessary: Chronic diseases and related risk factors represent the leading causes of death in Canada and can largely be prevented. The Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention - Multi-sectoral Partnerships (MSP) program addresses the common risk factors (i.e., healthy weight, physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco prevention/cessation) that underlie the major chronic diseases of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. By engaging and partnering with the private sector, the not-for-profit sector, organizations within or outside the health sector and other levels of government, progress can be made to support and sustain behaviour change that will positively impact health for Canadians.

By way of a program funding refresh, the MSP program comprises six existing PHAC funds including the Canadian Diabetes Strategy and Healthy Living Fund.

Intervention Method(s): Aimed at implementing and testing innovative healthy living promotion and chronic disease prevention interventions the MSP program recognizes the power of co-development and co-investment by leveraging the knowledge, expertise, reach, resources and ingenuity of multi-sectoral partners. This involves providing funding to test and/or scale up the most promising interventions to enable and change behaviours that will positively impact health through a dual focus on individuals and social/physical environments.

Repayable contributions: No.

Results achieved

Southwestern Public Health - Creating Connections

Working with local builders, the project aimed to increase rates of walking in the City of St. Thomas by making improvements to one area of the city, engaging the community in discussions and ultimately studying the effects of those improvements in relation to rates of walking. The project partners (local builders in the area), created multi-use pathways that encouraged walking between well utilized and high traffic services in the town of St. Thomas, such as schools and grocery stores. They also connected existing pathways to allow for longer more continuous pathways throughout the city. As part of promotional efforts to raise awareness about the network of pathways improvements, the municipality conducted a 'Why Not Walk?' campaign and invited residents to participate in community discussions and group walks.

Over 5,000 people were consulted through various engagement activities conducted during the project implementation. Infrastructure improvements related to this project include almost 12 km of new sidewalks or trails, the creation of pedestrian zones through the installation of new pedestrian crossovers, upgrades to street intersections and crosswalks and the installation of 525 metres of a new meadow trail. The evaluation method did not allow for drawing robust conclusions on behaviour change. Nonetheless, it is well documented in the literature that the type of changes in the built environment put in place by this project generate high benefits for frequent users of the transformed area.

Canadian Sport for Life - Movement Preparation

This physical literacy program was developed in order to reduce injury rates among youth playing soccer, while keeping them active, healthy and injury-free. The focus is on incorporating and improving fundamental movement and sports skills so children and youth are enhancing skills like agility, balance and coordination, while building the confidence they need to be active in sport, and to do so safely and injury-free, now and in the future. The full suite of exercises takes approximately 20 minutes and are intended to be performed twice a week as a standard warm-up, at the start of each training session. The Movement Preparation program was adapted from a FIFA program shown to significantly reduce injuries among soccer players. Through e-learning modules and in-person workshops, the project provided training to coaches and activity leaders in community soccer clubs across the country. The goal was to improve their capacity to create an effective training environment for children and youth, improving their movement experience and potentially their confidence and motivation to move more often.

Between 2016 and 2020, 2,274 coaches from sport, recreation, and education sectors were trained. According to attendance reported by coaches, approximately 68,220 athletes were exposed to Movement Preparation. Coaches who completed surveys prior to and after the e-learning module demonstrated increased knowledge of movement preparation and physical literacy. 95% of the coaches who responded to the post-season survey indicated that they had attempted to implement the program. In the upcoming year, the content of the program will be integrated into the mandatory curriculum across Canada for soccer coaches involved in the development stream with children and youth.

Canadian Men's Health Foundation - Don't Change Much

The aim of this five-year project, which ended in March 2020, was to promote awareness, provide education, facilitate engagement, and inspire actions that lead to healthy lifestyle behaviours in men (i.e., physical activity, healthy eating, healthy weights, smoking cessation, stress management, and sleep practices). The project utilized a range of interventions including traditional and digital engagement methods like public events, multi-use video content and transmedia storytelling, an online health risk assessment tool, web traffic enhancements, blogging, and weekly health tips. The project also included a social networking online space for men with an interest in improving their health or sharing their stories to interact. Consideration was given to removing any health-related stigma or traditional male norms as barriers to engaging in positive behaviour change.

Over a five-year period (2015-2020), the Don't Change Much website registered 1,475,278 unique users in 10 provinces and three territories. Men newly introduced to the website had already changed their behaviour in the last 12 months significantly more often than the general male adult Canadian population. Nonetheless, among website users, the more men were exposed to the website, the more often they had changed their behaviour in the last 12 months, suggesting that the website helped to reinforce efforts in being healthier. In particular, frequent users of the Don't Change Much website (once a month or more) more often changed diet or improved eating habits in the past 12 months than those using the website for the first time (66% vs 55%); made efforts to sit less and walk more (43% vs 50%); reduced their alcohol consumption (39% vs. 31%); and intended to change their health-related behaviours in the following month (93% vs 89%).

Farm to School: Canada Digs In!

Led by the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia, Canada Digs In! is a three-year national initiative designed to scale up and evaluate promising Farm to School practices. The project provides students with nutritious foods and hands-on learning opportunities that foster food literacy and seek to strengthen the local food system. The approach to implementing the project is comprehensive and includes developing and evaluating experiential food education activities such as hands-on cooking, exposure to new foods, a salad bar food service, and farm and gardening activities that can help build the skills required to plan, purchase and prepare healthier foods. The program is offered across five provinces and reaches students in primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary campuses across Canada.

Over the past three years, 91 schools and 14 campuses were involved in the Farm to School project reaching more than 33,000 primary and secondary students and more than 21,000 campus students with a meal card. A first round of key informant survey was conducted in fall 2018. A total of 71% of the respondents indicated that their school or campus had fully implemented a provision of a salad bar food service featuring a variety of vegetables and fruits. Food recall interviews with grades 4 to 6 students revealed a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables servings in all five schools after the implementation of the salad bar (5.2 servings compared to 4.35 prior) with a significant increase in two schools. Approximately half of the students surveyed indicated eating from the school salad bar at least 1 day per week.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

Audit of Multi-Sectoral Partnerships Program to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease at the Public Health Agency of Canada

The audit found effective processes in the review of applications and recipient monitoring. Opportunities for improvement include: enhancing the Program's governance, including documenting and defining roles, responsibilities and terms of reference for oversight committees; exercising risk management in a consistent manner; ensuring service standards are in place and being adhered to; ensuring the conflict of interest process was consistently applied; updating the risk-based project monitoring strategy for innovative funding agreements; and ensuring Sex and Gender-based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) was incorporated into the program's processes and communicated to applicants.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

Evaluation of Healthy Living Programs to Promote Multi-Sectoral Partnerships

The evaluation found that the Program is perceived as a leader among those within the Government of Canada who use experimental program design and apply innovative funding models. There were early indications of success in terms of the number of individuals participating in funded projects, knowledge development relating to healthy behaviours, and evidence of progress towards behaviour change and improved health.

The evaluation recommended that the Program determine how to integrate SGBA+ findings into the design of projects, revise current performance measurement practices, and introduce a systematic process to compile lessons learned on what is or isn't working, for whom and in what context.

The next evaluation is scheduled for 2024-25.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

PHAC engaged regularly with funding recipients so through regular discussions and activities that help recipients situate their activities within the government's program objectives, and provide PHAC with insights to help shape and inform policy initiatives and future program design.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 2,749,000 1,200,00 1,200,000 (1,549,00)
Total contributions 5,686,912 11,784,388 18,697,000 27,677,486 27,677,485 8,980,485
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 5,686,912 11,784,388 21,446,000 28,877,486 28,877,485 7,431,485

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to ParticipAction.

HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF)

General information

Start date: 2017

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Communicable Diseases and Infection Control

Description

Objective(s): Increase knowledge of effective HIV, hepatitis C, and/or related sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) interventions and prevention evidence; increase access to health and social services for priority populations; strengthen capacity (skills, competencies, and abilities) of priority populations and target audiences to prevent infection and improve health outcomes; enhance the application of knowledge in community-based interventions; and increase uptake of personal behaviours that prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and/or related STBBI.

Why this TPP is Necessary: Canada is considered to have a concentrated HIV epidemic, with very low prevalence in the general population and a higher prevalence in certain key populations.

Intervention Method(s): In addition to facilitating access to testing, diagnosis, treatment, and information on prevention methods, the CAF also supports and strengthens multi-sector partnerships to address the determinants of health. The CAF supports collaborative efforts to address factors that can increase transmission and acquisition of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). People living with and vulnerable to HIV, HCV and STIs were active partners in the development of the CAF objectives and priorities.

Repayable Contributions: No.

Results achieved

The CAF supports community-based interventions across the country with a focus on priority populations to address HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI. Under the CAF, a total of 86 projects from 124 organizations are currently being funded. Many of these projects were initiated in mid to late 2017. As CAF completed the mid point of its five-year funding cycle in 2019-20, funding recipients were asked to submit a mid-term evaluation report, which provides them with an opportunity to undertake a midway check-in to evaluate their progress and effectiveness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on CAF recipients and other similar front-line organizations who work with vulnerable populations. Given that the pandemic hit as organizations were entering their fiscal year end and beginning to conduct their data roll up activities, their ability to report on their results was limited. Organizations had to temporarily cease operations, reduce staff complement who may have been assisting with evaluation and reporting requirements, and/or were required to shift efforts to respond to the immediate health needs of the vulnerable populations they are serving. These populations include: gay men and other men who have sex with men; people who use drugs; Indigenous people; ethno-cultural communities, particularly those representing countries with high HIV or hepatitis C prevalence, including immigrants, migrants and refugees; people engaged in the sale, trade or purchase of sex; people living in or recently released from correctional facilities; transgender people; people living with, or affected by, HIV and/or hepatitis C; and women and youth among these populations.

As a result, a limited number of funding recipients (20 of 86 projects) were able to report on their 2019-20 results in time to be captured in this report. However, organizations that were able to report results in time suggest that CAF objectives are continuing to be addressed and key populations are being reached in the following ways:

Of the 86 CAF projects, fifteen Indigenous-led projects are currently being funded, supporting Canada's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis People. Of those, three have a primary focus on providing health professionals and other front-line service providers with knowledge, skills, and competencies to help prevent STBBI and improve health outcomes of Indigenous Peoples by strengthening their ability to offer culturally-relevant and gender-affirming health, social and support services. Of the fifteen Indigenous-led projects, three have reported reaching nearly 600 health professionals and other front-line service providers.

In order to achieve the program's objective of increasing access to health and social services for priority populations, the CAF also supports initiatives to eliminate homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of stigma and discrimination associated with STBBI. Thirteen CAF projects are focused on reducing stigma. Some highlights include CAF's flagship stigma prevention project, a dedicated Anti-Stigma Campaign aiming to reduce stigma and its effects on HIV prevention, testing and access to treatment among gay, bisexual and two-spirit men, as well as transgender people; promote Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Undetectable= Untransmittable U=U; and, reduce stigmatising attitudes and language related to HIV. This campaign commenced in late May 2019, running concurrently with Canada's Pride festivals, and then continued online and in local communities until March 2020.

Fifty-three projects that equip front-line service providers and health professionals with knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide equitable access to effective STBBI prevention interventions (vaccines, testing, condoms, PEP, PrEP, harm reduction, treatment) are currently being funded under the CAF. The CAF also supports projects that improve availability of, and access to, evidence-based testing technologies and approaches in a variety of settings. There are six projects with testing as a major component and seven additional projects with testing as one its elements. In addition, the CAF funds projects that provide appropriate linkages to prevention, treatment, and care resources for individuals from priority populations. Four CAF projects have creating such linkages as a major component of their project. Twelve projects reported referring nearly 1,000 individuals from priority populations to treatment and over 3,000 to testing services.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. The next evaluation is scheduled for 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Applicants and recipients were engaged through performance measurement and evaluation processes, and regular meetings with stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of communicable diseases.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 399,579 8,084,000 244,945 149,945 (7,934,055)
Total contributions 32,331,836 26,599,020 18,335,000 26,196,499 25,932,259 7,597,259
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 32,331,836 26,998,599 26,419,000 26,441,444 26,082,204 (336,796)

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to internal allocations from Grants to Contributions.

National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCPH)

General information

Start date: 2004-05

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Link to department's Program Inventory: Evidence for Health Promotion, and Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention; Communicable Diseases and Infection Control; Foodborne and Zoonotic Diseases; and Emergency Preparedness and Response

Description

Objective(s): Promote the use of knowledge for evidence-informed decision-making by public health practitioners and policy makers across Canada. The National Collaborating Centres (NCCs) synthesize, translate, and share knowledge to make it useful and accessible to policy makers, program managers, and practitioners.

Why this TPP is Necessary: The NCCs are designed to identify knowledge gaps, stimulate research in priority areas, and link public health researchers with practitioners to build strong practice-based networks across Canada in order to strengthen Canada's public health and emergency response capacity.

Intervention Method(s): Provision of contribution funds for creative solutions to be developed by the recipient that are responsive to the public health system and its organizations' needs.

Repayable Contributions: No.

Results achieved

The NCCs use a variety of methods (e.g., online training, workshops, outreach programs, and networking events) to broadly disseminate a wide array of knowledge products and build public health system capacity at multiple levels. During 2018-19, the NCCs increased the development and dissemination of knowledge translation products and activities by producing and providing over 1,232 new products and activities that consist of evidence reviews, published materials, videos, workshops, webinars, online courses, and conference presentations, which supported practitioners and decision makers in applying new knowledge in their environments.

In addition, the NCCs undertook 475 knowledge-related needs and gaps identification activities to provide public health knowledge brokers with the resources and structures required to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making.

The NCCs also engaged and maintained over 585 partnerships and collaborations with federal, provincial and territorial governments, academia, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and other external organizations for evidence-based interventions that reduce health risks. These collaborations were augmented with NCC knowledge exchange tools, resources, and expertise to facilitate and increase public health outreach.

Unique visitors to the six NCC websites to access knowledge products and activities also increased significantly from 2017-18 to a new total of 541,603 visitors for 2018-19.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. The next evaluation is scheduled for 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

The program does not anticipate issuing further solicitations as contribution agreements with recipients are eligible for renewal every five years, and workplans are reviewed and approved annually.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 5,966,996 6,073,496 5,842,000 5,912,000 5,911,996 69,996
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 5,966,996 6,073,496 5,842,000 5,912,000 5,911,996 69,996

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to a transfer from the Community Action Fund.

Violence Prevention

General information

Start date: 2017-18

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Promotion

Description

The Violence Prevention Program invests in health promotion and violence prevention interventions to prevent harm, address trauma and promote best practices to recovery and healing. The two programs supported through this fund are:

  1. Supporting the Health of Survivors of Family Violence - to deliver and test health promotion programs for survivors, and to equip health and allied professionals to respond safely and effectively to family violence.
  2. Preventing Gender-based Violence: the Health Perspective - to advance promising programs and initiatives to prevent teen/youth dating violence and child maltreatment, and to equip health and allied professionals to respond safely and effectively to gender-based violence. This program is part of the Government of Canada's Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence.

Objective(s): Develop and share knowledge of effective approaches to prevent violence and associated health impacts; support the health of survivors of family and gender-based violence through community programs; and equip health and allied professionals to respond safely and effectively to family and gender-based violence.

Why this TPP is Necessary: While many promising programs exist in the area of violence prevention and response, more rigorous research is needed to understand which programs are effective, for whom and in which settings. These investments will help to build the evidence-base and identify effective programs by measuring changes in knowledge, skills and behaviours, and physical and mental health. The investments will also support knowledge mobilization, so effective approaches can be identified and incorporated into ongoing practice.

Intervention Method(s): Grants and Contributions

The Violence Prevention Program funds, supports, and monitors organizations to design, develop, implement, adapt and evaluate population health interventions to prevent family and gender-based violence and their impacts on health. The program also supports the development and mobilization of knowledge about effective practices, to build the field of violence prevention and response.

Repayable Contributions: No

Results achieved

Supporting the Health of Survivors of Family Violence

Through the Supporting the Health of Survivors of Family Violence investment, PHAC provided continued support to 20 projects aimed at addressing the health needs of survivors of family violence. These projects reached youth, street-involved youth, survivors of sex trafficking, young mothers, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2+ individuals, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada.

Projects used a variety of health promotion approaches to support survivors, including trauma-informed physical activity such as yoga, sports and dance. For example, this year the Shape Your Life project began adapting a trauma-informed non-contact boxing program for youth involved in the child welfare and justice systems. Other projects used arts and culture-based approaches. For example, the Nato' we ho win project was delivered through transition houses in Saskatchewan, providing Indigenous women with opportunities for empowerment and healing through culture.

This investment also supported projects to build the capacity of health and social service providers to respond safely and effectively to family violence. The Violence, Evidence, Action, Guidance (VEGA) project, led by McMaster University, launched free, evidence-based online learning resources to equip providers to address child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and children's exposure to intimate partner violence.

The reach of this investment is broad and diverse. Funded projects directly reached 1,930 participants and 2,033 professionals, and were delivered at 116 sites across Canada. The projects fostered collaboration across sectors, with more then 249 partners, and leveraged more than $1.79 million in financial and in-kind contributions. The projects developed 426 knowledge products reaching an estimated 531,766 stakeholders, and 420 events reaching over 16,000 service providers, policy makers, researchers and professionals.

To support and enhance the capacity, reach and impact of the funded projects, PHAC continued to support the activities of the Family Violence Knowledge Hub, led by the Center for Research and Education on Violence against Women and Children (CREVAWC). During 2019-20, the Knowledge Hub reached more than 495,492 professionals and stakeholders through its knowledge dissemination activities. The Knowledge Hub produced bulletins, hosted meetings, and led learning events on topics such as trauma-informed responses to address human trafficking, impacts of traumatic brain injuries among survivors of intimate partner violence, and strategies for working with Indigenous individuals experiencing violence and trauma.

Preventing Gender-based Violence

Through the Preventing Gender-based Violence: The Health Perspective Investment, which is part of Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-based Violence, PHAC supported 34 projects focusing on preventing teen dating violence and child maltreatment, in addition to equipping professionals to prevent and respond safely to gender-based violence.

Projects funded through this investment included parenting support programs that teach positive relationships and alternatives to harsh discipline, such as the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting program. The investment also supported a range of school-based and community-based approaches to equip youth for healthy and safe relationships. For example, Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is delivering its PEP Talk program, which helps children build resiliency and skills to reduce abuse and bullying, in a new setting to address emerging needs.

In 2019-20, these projects directly reached 4,464 participants and 3,165 professionals in 80 sites across Canada, including schools, community centres, social service agencies, sports and recreation organizations, and sexual assault centres. Funded projects collaborated with more than 330 partners. These collaborative relationships enhanced the reach of project activities and leveraged more than $1.98 million in financial and in-kind contributions.

The Teen Dating Violence Community of Practice (CoP), led by the Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet), supported the projects and the broader community with learning events and capacity building activities. The CoP launched a website, shared newsletters, and hosted a series of meetings and webinars. It brought project leaders together through working groups on issues such as adapting and translating programs, engaging youth meaningfully, working safely with vulnerable populations, and developing programs with Indigenous partners. Through these activities, the CoP reached more than 189,000 professionals, researchers and service providers.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

Evaluation of the Supporting the Health of Survivors of Family Violence Program

The evaluation found that survivors of family violence are participating in the interventions offered by funded projects and that professionals are accessing information shared through the program. The program has been able to widely generate and share knowledge for a variety of reasons: they have worked to build and strengthen partnerships, they have fostered a community of practice through a university-based Knowledge Hub funded by the program, and they have generated evidence from their research. No recommendations were made, as the program already took steps to mitigate the minor challenges that the evaluation identified.

The next evaluation is scheduled for 2024-25.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

PHAC continued to engage regularly with funding recipients, including through the Family Violence and Youth Dating Violence CoP. These regular discussions and activities help recipients situate their activities within the government's program objectives, and provide PHAC with insights to help shape and inform policy initiatives and future program design. Issues raised include the need to integrate local Indigenous knowledge and culture into programming, and the value of engaging youth in program design and research.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 5,800,000 587,081 587,081 (5,212,91)
Total contributions 0 0 8,550,000 12,435,312 12,324,545 3,774,545
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 0 0 14,350,000 13,022,393 12,911,626 (1,438,37)

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to internal allocations to support further developments in Canada's Suicide Prevention.

Support for Canadians Impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative

General information

Start date: 2018-19

End date: 2022-23

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Promotion

Description

Objective(s): Budget 2018 proposed to allocate $20M over five years to PHAC to support the needs of Canadians living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The proposed funding would be allocated as follows:

Why this TPP is Necessary: According to PHAC's 2018 National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System report, approximately 1 in 66 Canadian children and youth, aged 5 to 17 years, are diagnosed with autism. Autism is a disorder that can include broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. Because each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges, support needs may range from none to very substantial. It is a complex life-long condition that affects not only the person with autism, but their families, caregivers and communities.

Previous stakeholder engagement supported by PHAC highlighted a range of priorities and needs for Canadians affected by autism, including but not limited to: social, behavioural and adaptive supports across the lifespan as well as comprehensive planning for adulthood, including transition support. This stakeholder engagement also found that access to information for families, caregivers and people living with autism was considered a top priority. Further, in 2014, Autism Ontario conducted a province-wide survey to identify the most pressing needs within the autism community. Results showed that families feel overwhelmed and vulnerable due to a lack of access to credible information, programs, tools and resources for those with autism.

Intervention Method(s): Grants and Contributions

Repayable Contributions: No

Results achieved

Highlights of results achieved through the ASD Strategic Fund projects in 2019-20 include:

Les Grands Ballets de Montréal offered weekly dance classes between November 2019 and March 2020 to children aged 7 to 9 with ASD. At the conclusion of the dance program, parents and dance teachers alike noted significant improvements in the children's motor skills, their ability to follow instruction, as well as a sense of pride and achievement from learning a new skill.

The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University provided the Caregiver Skills Training to 17 professionals from 11 organizations across Canada. These Master Trainers will now go on to provide support to families within their local communities in the second year of the project.

McGill offered a full day public workshop on parent-mediated interventions and strategies for parents of children with ASD. The workshop was attended by 40 families and included a simulation in the use of the Caregiver Skills Training program.

Autism Nova Scotia offered the Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Autism (HRSA) curriculum to 36 individuals with ASD from across the Atlantic. A key pillar in healthy sexuality is access to knowledge and education. Participants have noted that they feel more secure as a result of the knowledge they have acquired through the HRSA curriculum.

Through the Autism Mental Health Promotion project, led by York University, a total of 62 adults with ASD and 48 caregivers participated in virtual mindfulness sessions, developed with an autism-informed approach. While the program is only in its first year, preliminary results note a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression among participants after attending the online group.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. The next evaluation is scheduled for 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

Solicitations for time-limited funding occurred in 2018. As of fiscal year 2019-20, all contribution agreements were signed and projects initiated their work. PHAC undertook ongoing project monitoring and reporting with recipients as specified in their contribution agreements.

Next solicitation is planned for fall 2020 (fiscal year 2020-21).

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 0 253,700 5,429,300 5,376,399 5,376,399 (52,901)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 0 253,700 5,429,300 5,376,399 5,376,399 (52,901)

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to internal allocations to support further developments in Canada's Suicide Prevention and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Strengthening the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (Harm Reduction Fund)

General information

Start date: 2017

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Communicable Diseases and Infection Control

Description

Objective(s): The goal of the strategy is to protect the health and safety of all Canadians by minimizing harms from substance use for individuals, families and communities.

Why this TPP is Necessary: The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) formally restores harm reduction as a pillar of federal drug and substance use policy, alongside the existing prevention, treatment and enforcement pillars, supported by a strong, modern evidence-base across all pillars. The public health focus on the CDSS, along with the inclusion of harm reduction as a core pillar of the strategy, will better enable the Government to address the current opioid crisis, and to work toward preventing the emergence of new challenges in substance abuse.

Intervention Method(s): Grants and Contributions

Repayable Contributions: No

Results achieved

To date, three separate rounds of funding (2017, 2018 and 2019) have been approved under the Harm Reduction Fund (HRF), with all projects being of two years in duration.

The HRF supports front-line, community-based projects that aim to reduce HIV and Hepatitis C infections among individuals who share drug-use equipment. The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the funding recipient's ability to carry out activities with this particularly vulnerable population. In addition, the funding recipient's ability to assess the impact of their activities was also impacted as only a limited number of funding recipients (7 projects of 57) were able to report on their results. However, project reporting has demonstrated that the priority population and all target audiences are being reached in alignment with program objectives. Through peer outreach, culturally-safe prevention, education and awareness activities, 63.6% of members of the priority population have reported an increase in knowledge of effective harm reduction interventions and prevention evidence (based on two projects).

Of the 57 projects from the first two solicitations, approximately half are providing training for service providers to reduce stigma and discrimination toward people who use drugs. Preliminary results (based on one project) indicate that front-line service providers and health professionals are now equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide stigma-free and culturally-responsive services in safe environments for people who share injection and inhalation drug-use equipment. Of those that are equipped with the knowledge, 89% of target audience members reported the intention to apply their newly-acquired knowledge about stigma and discrimination in community-based interventions and in the practice of healthcare and public heath services.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No audit was completed in 2019-20.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20

No evaluation was completed in 2019-20. The next evaluation is scheduled for 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

People with lived experience were engaged to help inform the development of the HRF, which informed the design of the HRF review process. All HRF letters of intent are reviewed by an external review committee made up of people who use harm reduction services, harm reduction service providers and researchers as well as a small number of PHAC employees from the NCR and regional offices. The review committee is responsible for assessing the proposals against clearly outlined criteria and determining which applicants will be invited to the next stage of the process, submitting a full funding proposal. Upon request, PHAC provides unsuccessful applicants with specific and detailed feedback from the committee to explain why their proposal was not recommended by their peers. This feedback mechanism supports the capacity of community organizations to strengthen future funding proposals.

PHAC continues to receive positive feedback on the external review committee model from both applicants and participants on the committee as a means of empowering community and meaningfully engaging people with lived experience and peers in the decision-making process.

Applicants and recipients were also engaged through performance measurement and evaluation processes, and regular meetings with stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of communicable diseases.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017-18
Actual spending
2018-19
Actual
spending
2019-20
Planned spending
2019-20
Total authorities available for use
2019-20
Actual spending (authorities used)
Variance
(2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 694,710 3,500,000 100,000 100,000 (3,400,000)
Total contributions 0 4,002,409 3,500,000 6,807,556 6,621,303 3,121,303
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 0 4,697,119 7,000,000 6,907,556 6,721,303 (278,697)

Explanation of variances
Actual spending varied from planned spending primarily due to internal allocations to HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF).

Gender-based analysis plus

Institutional GBA+ Capacity

Governance structures

In the Health Portfolio, we refer to Sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) because of the important roles that both sex and gender play in health.

SGBA+ is a systematic approach that considers the needs of diverse groups of boys, girls, men, women and gender-diverse people.

Sex, gender and other diversity factors including and not limited to age, income, race/ethnicity, education, ability status and geographic location, are important determinants of health. Health Portfolio Deputy Heads are responsible for providing leadership to ensure SGBA+ implementation through the Health Portfolio's Sex and Gender-based Analysis Policy. Taking into account sex, gender and other diversity factors in PHAC efforts is supported as part of our broader commitment to health equity - reducing the health gap between subgroups of Canadians. Integrating sex, gender and other diversity factors increases the reach and impact of our interventions, enabling us to better meet the diverse needs of Canadians.

PHAC's planned efforts to advance SGBA+ implementation will focus on increasing the organization's internal capacity by providing targeted trainings, and integrating SGBA+ more systematically into surveillance activities, science, policy programs and evaluation. This will be achieved by strengthening disaggregated data collection, analysis, and regular reporting on sex and gender-based health differences and their intersection with other diversity/identity factors, adapting programs and policies based on sex and gender related evidence, and increasing accountability and integration of SGBA+ in performance measurement and reporting.

Performance related to SGBA+ implementation is monitored at the Agency level through three main mechanisms: annual reporting to the Department of Women and Gender Equality through the GBA+ Implementation Survey; inclusion of sex and gender specific indicators in the Departmental Results Framework where feasible and relevant; and performance measurement and reporting to PHAC's Executive Committee.

Human resources

6 FTEs:

Major initiatives: results achieved

The following initiatives align with the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being pillar of the Gender Results Framework:

  1. Communicable Disease and Infection Control - HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF)

    The HIV and Hepatitis C CAF invests in community-based organizations across the country to address HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI.

    All projects funded through the CAF require a focus on priority populations, supported by evidence that a particular population is disproportionately affected. As such, SGBA+ considerations were mandatory in funding proposals and in the evaluation plans. These included consideration of gender, age, language, geography, ethnic origin, culture and language.

    SGBA+ metric availability and findings will be used for the evaluation of CAF projects and will inform future program interventions / initiatives.

  2. Surveillance data for immunization

    The 2018-19 seasonal influenza surveys included gender as a key socio-demographic determinant of immunization status. Using this data, a statistical analysis comparing immunization rates between males and females was conducted. Results will be published online by the end of 2019-20. Differences in vaccination coverage by gender will be analyzed and presented in all future immunization coverage surveys. Published results may help to provide information on the most appropriate target groups for vaccine promotion efforts.

  3. Dementia Community Investment

    The Dementia Community Investment (DCI) funds community-based projects to develop, test and disseminate tools, resources and/or approaches to optimize the well-being of diverse groups of women and men living with dementia and/or their caregivers (i.e., family members/friends who care for them at home), as well as raise awareness and/or reduce stigma related to dementia. Projects funded through the DCI will be asked to incorporate the consideration of sex and gender and other identity factors into their proposals and will be expected to report on these considerations in their annual reporting to PHAC.

  4. Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention

    The Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention (FFSP) is focused on raising awareness and reducing stigma, better connecting diverse Canadians to information and resources, and accelerating innovation and research to prevent suicide. The SGBA+ analysis helped to inform a number of efforts that PHAC undertook in relation to the FFSP. For example, the evidence related to help-seeking among men and boys informed PHAC's efforts related to safe and appropriate messaging on suicide as well as on training/standard development for the Canada Suicide Prevention Service.

  5. National Dementia Strategy

    A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire was released in June 2019. The strategy has three national objectives: prevent dementia; advance therapies and find a cure; and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers. The Dementia Strategic Fund (DSF) was created to support key elements of the strategy's implementation. The DSF invests in awareness raising activities with a focus on prevention, stigma reduction, and dementia-inclusive communities. Its initiatives will also support access to and use of guidance, including on prevention and diagnosis. Initiatives funded through the DSF are asked to incorporate considerations of sex and gender as well as other identity factors. They are also asked to consider populations identified as being at higher risk of developing dementia and / or facing barriers to equitable dementia care. These populations include Indigenous populations, LGBTQ2+ individuals, individuals with intellectual disabilities and others.

The following initiative aligns with the Gender-based violence and access to justice pillar of the Gender Results Framework:

  1. Family and Gender-based Violence Prevention

    This initiative consists of two programs. The Family Violence Prevention Investment is developing and testing community-based projects that equip survivors of violence with skills, knowledge and capacity to improve their health and building the capacity of health and social service professionals to work safely and effectively with survivors of violence.

    The Preventing Gender-based Violence: The Health Perspective program, which is part of the Government of Canada's National Strategy to Address and Prevent Gender-based Violence, focuses on preventing teen dating violence and child maltreatment, and supporting the development of training curricula and resources about gender-based violence, trauma-informed care and safety planning for health and allied professionals.

    A SGBA+ analysis reveals that women and girls, as well as certain other population groups such as Indigenous women and the LGBTQ2+ communities, are disproportionately impacted by family and gender-based violence. Recognizing this, a large number of projects that are funded focus on supporting women and girls, and several focus on supporting these additional vulnerable groups.

Reporting capacity and data

The following PHAC programs collect information that allows SGBA+.

  1. Program Inventory: Vaccination
    1. Program captures SGBA+ metrics and provides analysis for some indicators, related to:
      1. Gender
      2. Age
    2. Program has released the following public reports including SGBA+ metrics:
      1. 2016-17 Seasonal Influenza Survey
      2. 2017-18 Seasonal Influenza Survey
      3. 2017 Childhood National Immunization Survey
  2. Program Inventory: Foodborne and Zoonotic Disease
    1. Program captures SGBA+ metrics and provides analysis for some indicators, related to:
      1. Sex
      2. Geographic distribution
    2. Program has released the following public reports including SGBA+ metrics:
      1. Surveillance for Lyme Disease in Canada: 2009-2015
      2. National Enteric Surveillance Program (NESP), annual summary
  3. Program Inventory: Communicable Disease and Infection Control
    1. Program captures SGBA+ metrics and provides analysis for several indicators, related to:
      1. Sex
      2. Age
      3. Geographic distribution
      4. Race/ethnicity
      5. Exposure category
      6. Population group (foreign-born, Indigenous, non-Indigenous Canadians)
    2. Program has released the following public reports including SGBA+ metrics:
      1. Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System 2017 Report
      2. Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP): Summary Report of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Surveillance Data from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017
      3. Report on Hepatitis B and C in Canada, 2016
      4. Update on Sexually Transmitted Infections in Canada, 2016
      5. Chlamydia in Canada, 2010-2015
      6. HIV in Canada - Surveillance Report, 2017
      7. Tuberculosis: Monitoring, 2017
      8. The time is now - Chief Public Health Officer spotlight on eliminating tuberculosis in Canada
  4. Program Inventory: Health Promotion
    1. Program captures, at regular intervals, SGBA+ metrics for some indicators, related to:
      1. Sex
      2. Age
      3. Indigenous Status
      4. Income
      5. Immigrant Status
      6. Education
      7. Family Type

      Trend analysis is conducted to determine which sociodemographic variables have a significant impact on outcomes gained by those participating in the Program.

  5. Program Inventory: Chronic Disease Prevention - Multi-Sectoral Partnerships
    1. Program captures, annually, SGBA+ metrics for some indicators, related to:
      1. Gender, including a third non-binary option
      2. Age
      3. Geographical distribution

      Depending on the objectives of each project, additional aspects may be captures such as:

      1. Indigenous Status
      2. Income
      3. Immigrant Status
      4. Education
      5. Family Type
      6. Race/ethnicity

Documenting disaggregated program metrics captures the diversity of participants and program reach. In addition, the feasibility of disaggregating medium and long-term outcomes will be piloted with the relaunch of the Multi-sectoral Partnerships in agreement with Research Ethic Board approval processes with which projects have to comply.

To support more effective interventions to improve health equity and the implementation of SGBA+, PHAC collects and disseminates health inequalities data through the Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Reporting Initiative. This initiative recently developed two key products:

PHAC also collects data that are used for regular monitoring and reporting on sex-based health inequalities through its several surveillance systems. Examples of such systems include the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS). This system is a collaborative network of provincial and territorial surveillance systems, which collects data on all residents who are eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance and can generate national estimates and trends over time for over 20 chronic diseases. Recent data from the CCDSS suggest that in Canada the rate of dementia is higher in females than males aged 65 years and older, and that the discrepancy between sexes increases with age.

Highlights of GBA+ Results by Program

Violence Prevention

A SGBA+ analysis shows that while family violence and gender-based violence can affect anyone, some populations are disproportionately affected. These include women and girls, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ populations. Recognizing the differential risks and impacts, applicants for funding through the Family Violence and Gender-based Violence programs were asked to demonstrate how they would incorporate SGBA+ perspectives into the design, implementation and evaluation of their projects. The proposal review process also applied an equity and SGBA+ lens to ensure an equitable allocation of funds.

Projects supported through the Family Violence and Gender-Based Violence investments are reaching women and girls; Indigenous women, girls, parents/caregivers and youth; LGBTQ2+ youth; immigrant and refugee youth and families; low socio-economic status communities, and rural and northern populations.

Projects do not report disaggregated data to PHAC at the individual participant level; however, through their intervention research, projects are learning about effective approaches to prevent and address family and gender-based violence in diverse populations. Projects are implementing and sharing approaches to make programs accessible, safe and effective for these populations, for example: choosing technology that can be accessed in remote locations and at low cost; involving Elders and incorporating ceremony into programming for Indigenous participants; training service providers to offer safe and appropriate services to LGBTQ2+ participants; and choosing accessible programming sites.

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC)

The most recent participant data from 2017-2018, indicates that 47% of the children who participated in the AHSUNC program that year were boys and 53% were girls. Of these children, First Nations children represented 53% followed by Metis (18%) and Inuit (13%).

Additional, more detailed and family level data was gathered in a 2015 survey of parents/caregivers of children attending AHSUNC. The results of this survey found the program is serving families from target/ priority populations. For example, 40% were single parents, close to one quarter of them had less than high school education, 52% indicated they were a stay-at-home parent/caregiver/family member (52%) and of those who responded to the question about income, over half reported living in a low-income household. Analysis was conducted to determine whether outcomes experienced by program participants, such as gains in knowledge and skills and health practices, were related to demographic characteristics of participants. Findings included:

Regardless of the socio-demographic characteristics, the vast majority of parents/caregivers expressed that they had a positive experience with the AHSUNC program. In fact, 95% reported that the program treats them with dignity and respect. Furthermore, the AHSUNC program is supporting continued revitalization of Indigenous culture and language for program participants and families. In the 2015 survey, 61% of families reporting they are doing more Indigenous-related and traditional activities because of coming to the AHSUNC program, and 74% reported their child is able to participate in more Indigenous activities such as traditional games, dances, ceremonies and prayers.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)

A study conducted in 2018 confirmed CPNP is reaching priority populations. A significant percentage of program participants (74%) reported living in households that were at or below the low-income measure, 26% were recent immigrants, 24% were Indigenous, 28% were lone parents, 21% had less than high school education, and 7% were teenage mothers. Analysis was conducted to determine whether outcomes experienced by program participants, such as gains in knowledge and skills and health practices, were related to demographic characteristics of participants. Findings included:

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)

A study conducted in 2018 confirmed CAPC is reaching priority populations. Over half of parent/caregiver program participants (58%) reported living in households that were at or below the low income measure, 18% were recent immigrants, 17% were Indigenous, 25% were lone parents, 13% had less than high school education, and 1% were teenage mothers. Approximately 90% of program participants identified as female, 9% identified as male and 0.3% identified as other. Analysis was conducted to determine whether outcomes experienced by program participants, such as gains in knowledge and skills and health practices, were related to demographic characteristics of participants. Findings included:

Horizontal initiatives

Close-out Report for the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada (FI)

General information

Start date: January 13, 2005

End date: March 31, 2020

Lead department: PHAC

Number of times renewed: N/A

Partner departments: Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Correctional Service Canada (CSC)

Other non-federal partners: N/A

Expenditures: $1,100,920,886

Total federal funding from start to end date (authorities and actual)

Fiscal Year Horizontal initiative activities and internal services Authorities (according to the TB submission) Actual program spending Variance(s)
2004-05 to 2009-10 PHAC - Infectious Disease Prevention and Control 234,785,000 226,219,020 8,565,980
2010-11 to 2011-12 PHAC - Science and Technology for Public Health 4,600,000 5,200,000 -600,000
PHAC - Surveillance and Population Health Assessment 9,600,000 10,800,000 -1,200,000
PHAC - Disease and Injury Prevention and Mitigation 70,500,000 62,800,000 7,700,000
2012-13 to 2018-19 PHAC - Public Health Infrastructure 37,136,637 42,617,737 -5,481,100
PHAC - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 255,720,962 246,908,207 8,812,755
2019-20 PHAC - Laboratory Science Leadership and Services 6,334,589 8,021,315 -1,686,726
PHAC - Communicable Disease and Infection Control 35,188,702 35,631,960 -443,259
2004-05 to 2019-20 ISC - Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections - HIV/AIDS 75,063,684 69,146,142 5,917,542
2004-05 to 2019-20 CIHR - Health and Health Service Advances 324,647,572 336,350,389 -11,702,817
2004-05 to 2019-20 CSC - Institutional Health Services 58,498,087 57,226,116 1,271,971
- Internal servicesHorizontal Initiative 1 Footnote * (see note below) - -
- Total 1,112,075,233 1,100,920,886 11,154,346
Horizontal Initiative 1 Footnote *

Internal Services and Public Services and Procurement Canada accommodation cost are included in the above numbers.

Horizontal Initiative 1 return to footnote * referrer

Variances:

CIHR HIV/AIDS FI related allotments (2006-07 through 2019-20) totaled $307,104,526, of which $11,000,000 was transferred out to the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative ($10,000,000) and the Global Health Research Initiative ($1,000,000) leaving a total amount of $296,104,526. The actual HIV/AIDS FI program spending of $303,312,129 is the result of additional funding contributed primarily by CIHR directly.

Results

Shared Outcomes: Expected Results Performance Indicators Trend Data

Increased awareness and knowledge of ways to prevent the acquisition and control the transmission of HIV and associated STBBI.

PI 1: % of stakeholders reporting increasing their knowledge.

  • 2017: 87%
  • 2018: 100%
  • 2019: 100%

PI 2: % of priority populations reporting increasing knowledge.

PI 3: % of publications available through open access.

  • N/A
  • 2017: 64%
  • 2018: 91%
  • 2019: 91%

PI 4: % of target audiences reporting increasing knowledge.

Strengthened capacity (skills, competencies, and abilities) of priority populations and audiences.

PI 1: % of priority population's reporting increasing capacity.

  • 2015: 92%
  • 2016: 92%
  • 2017: 87%
  • 2018: N/A
  • 2019: 77%

PI 2: % of newly-admitted people who live in federal correctional facilities who attended Reception Awareness Program at admission.

  • 2006: 72%
  • 2007: 78%
  • 2008: 63%
  • 2009: 52%
  • 2010: 67%
  • 2011: 61%
  • 2012: 56%
  • 2013: 43%
  • 2014: 32%
  • 2015: 30%
  • 2016: 35%
  • 2017: N/AHorizontal Initiative 2 Footnote 3
  • 2018: N/A
  • 2019: N/A

PI 3: % of First Nations communities reporting that HIV testing is accessible on or near the reserve.

Improved uptake and application of knowledge in action and public health practice.

PI 1: % of clients indicating overall satisfaction with laboratory reference services.

  • 2015: 95%
  • 2016: 97%
  • 2017: 98%
  • 2018: 98%
  • 2019: 98%

PI 2: % of molecular tests administered by referral services within the optimal time-response.

  • 2014: 70%
  • 2015: 52%
  • 2016: 91%
  • 2017: 70%
  • 2018: 71%
  • 2019: 69%

PI 3: % of serological tests administered by referral services within the optimal time-response.

  • 2014: 91%
  • 2015: 57%
  • 2016: 89%
  • 2017: 94%
  • 2018: 78%
  • 2019: 82%

PI 4: % of peer-reviewed articles that were cited in other peer-reviewed articles - five years of data

  • 2016: 88%
  • 2017: 78%
  • 2018: 95%
  • 2019: 95%

PI 5: % of attendees to STBBI webinars indicating applying evidence acquired through webinars to guide their work.

PI 6: % of CIHR grants leading to production of new method, new theory, or replication of findings.

PI 7: % of CIHR grants reporting translation of knowledge/creating more effective health services and products.

  • 2017: 73%
  • 2018: 83%
  • 2019: 73%

PI 8: % of CIHR grants leading to information or guidance for patients or public/patients' or public behaviour(s).

  • 2017: 24%
  • 2018: 41%
  • 2019: 43%

PI 9: % of audiences that indicated they have enhanced their practices / community-based interventions following project activities.

Increased uptake of personal behaviours that prevent the transmission and acquisition of HIV and associated STBBI.

PI 1: % of people who live in federal correctional facilities who are known to be HIV positive who have access to treatment.

  • 2006: 53%
  • 2007: 55%
  • 2008: 65%
  • 2009: 60%
  • 2010: 63%
  • 2011: 77%
  • 2012: 84%
  • 2013: 90%
  • 2014: 91%
  • 2015: 92%
  • 2016: 94%
  • 2017: 92%
  • 2018: 99%
  • 2019: 98%

PI 2: % of priority populations reached indicating increased uptake of personal behaviours that prevent the transmission of HIV/hepatitis C or related STBBI.

PI 3: % of priority populations who indicated improved access to health, social, and support services.

Decreased acquisition and transmission of new infections.

PI 1: % of people living with HIV who know their status.

PI 2: % of people who know their HIV positive status who are on treatment.

PI 3: % of people receiving treatment who are virally suppressed.

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 1

Year 1 of new projects. Only baseline data collected.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 1 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 2

Not enough data available.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 2 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 3

The formal RAP program was replaced by alternate program delivery in 2017, so formal tracking ceased.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 3 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 4

Data not available.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 4 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 5

Percentage of STBBI-related webinar attendees indicating intention to apply evidence acquired through webinars to guide their work.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 5 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 6

The decrease in percentage of grants that lead to a new method or new theory in fiscal year 2019-20 was due to the types of grants that were reported on in this fiscal year. There were a high number of catalyst grants (11/51), vaccine research (6/51), and innovative research grants (6/51), all of which present a lower opportunity for researchers to generate new methods and new theories. Of the 51 grants, 36 (70%) reported that their research advanced methods or theories, and 20/51 (39%) indicated that their research could lead to a new method or new theory in the future.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 6 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 7

Year 1 of new projects. Only baseline data collected.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 7 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 8

Preliminary results based on limited data availability

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 8 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 9

The national HIV estimates published in 2018 were based on 2016 data (the most recent year for which complete HIV surveillance data is available).

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 9 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 10

National HIV estimates are updated every two years. Updates to the National HIV estimates published in 2018 are planned for fall/winter 2020.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 10 referrer

Horizontal initiative 2 Footnote 11

Updates to the national HIV estimates published in 2018 are planned for fall/winter 2020.

Horizontal initiative 2 Return to footnote 11 referrer

Brief explanation of performance

The Federal Initiative's (FI) key program activities included five main areas of action: (1) research, surveillance and knowledge development; (2) program interventions and policy development; (3) communications and social marketing; (4) global collaboration; and, (5) coordination, planning and reporting. Formal evaluations of the FI (2008/09 - 2012/13 and 2013/14 - 2017/18) identified a number of important successes and some challenges over the course of the initiative.

The first critical area of success of the FI was its contribution to increased awareness and better health practices among key populationsFootnote 3 and target audiencesFootnote 4 to prevent HIV acquisition and transmission. The FI supported the provision of direct interventions to priority populations in settings such as correctional institutions and on First Nations reserves, as well community-led activities in communities across Canada that increased key populations' knowledge and awareness of HIV. These activities also supported behaviour change among key populations through efforts to encourage the adoption of healthier sexual and drug use behaviours, and through linkages made to HIV testing, treatment, and support services.

For example, ISC has been successful in working with First Nations communities and partner organizations to improve the overall prevention, education, awareness and culturally safe testing, treatment and social supports for HIV/AIDS. As a result of the efforts funded through the FI, there has been a greater emergence of community-led and community driven services and activities to address HIV/AIDS. Initiatives such as the Know Your Status integrated model of care program in Saskatchewan provides three core services: testing, harm reduction, and specialized support for nursing and outreach. By 2019-20, 22 communities had access to all three core components of the Know Your Status program, and 50 communities had access to one or two core components of the program. The Know Your Status program is a model that may be adapted by other regions.

Although the interventions supported through the FI targeted populations that experienced increased vulnerability to HIV, evaluations pointed out the ongoing challenge that some of the people most vulnerable to HIV infection were not sufficiently reached by the community-based projects supported by the FI. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to address this challenge by realigning community-based funding priorities and redefining key populations and eligible activities under PHAC's HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF). The CAF amalgamated and replaced the grants and contributions funding streams previously funded through the FI and PHAC's Hepatitis C Prevention, Support, and Research Program. In addition, a new Harm Reduction Fund was announced in 2017 under the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy to complement the CAF and to focus on reducing HIV and other STTBI-related harms among people who use drugs, a key population under the FI.

The second critical area of success of the FI was its contribution to knowledge creation through national HIV routine and enhanced surveillance systems and considerable research investments. The FI, through CIHR made substantial contributions to HIV/AIDS-related knowledge creation and translation in a number of areas including biomedical and clinical research, health services, population health research, and community-based research. FI-supported investments in Canadian research contributed significantly to the global body of knowledge about HIV/AIDS through peer-reviewed publications and knowledge translation to ensure that research findings were disseminated and communicated to knowledge users in order to support policy and practice. For example, bibliometric analyses of scientific publications found that, between 2010 and 2017, Canada ranked fifth and sixth out of the top 10 countries, respectively, for Average Relative CitationsFootnote 5 and Average Relative Impact Factor.Footnote 6 The FI also supported the development of Canadian HIV research capacity through the Canadian HIV/AIDS Trials Network (CTN) and the CIHR HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (CBR) Program, by fostering collaboration between researchers in various disciplines related to HIV/AIDS both within Canada and abroad, and supporting the development of partnerships between community leaders and researchers. In addition, the creation of knowledge through routine and enhanced surveillance activities, as well as through partnerships with global surveillance approaches, the pharmaceutical sector, and community organizations has improved the ability to understand the HIV epidemic. Research investments were also put into improving quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, including comorbidity research and aging. In recent years, in response to evaluation findings, dedicated investments were made to support intervention research to help identify those successful interventions that could be implemented on a larger scale.

Another significant accomplishment of the FI was the high level of uptake by target audiences of the extensive range of knowledge products and tools generated by partner departments, in addition to the use of research knowledge products. These products included routine and enhanced HIV surveillance reports, population health reports, studies, guidance documents, conference presentations, publications, abstracts, and webinars. The uptake of these knowledge products contributed to strengthened HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support interventions and greater knowledge about HIV among key populations. FI evaluations noted that the knowledge products produced under the FI were of high quality, informative and well-received by stakeholders and target audiences. However, the FI faced the challenge of extending the reach of these knowledge products to ensure that their uptake was maximized in the development of policy, programs, and in the delivery of services. Throughout the lifespan of the FI, efforts were made to enhance the uptake of its knowledge products, such as the development of a successful webinar series that continues to this date and is attended by community-based and public health front-line providers, clinicians, and researchers across the country, and the production of infographics to increase the application of evidence into practice.

The FI also made important contributions to global collaboration on HIV. Working with global partners, the PHAC modelling tools that are used for the calculation of HIV incidence, prevalence, and the proportion of undiagnosed cases were endorsed by the UNAIDS Reference Group. These modelling tools informed the software used by UNAIDS for global HIV estimation that is used by other countries, as well as academics and researchers internationally. PHAC's National Microbiology Laboratory also helped build capacity of clinical laboratories both within Canada and globally, including technology transfer and assistance to several laboratories internationally, as well as quality assurance programs that have increased the quality of HIV testing both within Canada and around the world. PHAC's technical assistance in the areas of surveillance and laboratory science extended to countries in the Caribbean, South Asia and Africa.

The responsibility for achieving the FI's strategic goals and outcomes was shared among the four partner departments. To this end, another key success of the FI was the governance model (FI Responsibility Centre Committee) that was used to coordinate activities and share information across departments. In addition to serving as a formal accountability mechanism, the committee fostered important informal linkages and collaboration between departments. This shared governance model resulted in a high level of collaboration, leading to greater policy and program coherence and coordination on HIV among the four partner departments. The FI governance model has since been expanded to coordinate federal activities under the new Government of Canada Five-Year Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Action Plan launched in 2019. A Steering Committee consisting of representatives of the ten partner departments of the STBBI Action Plan has been created, building on the successful governance model employed under the FI to enhance federal coordination and collaboration on STBBI policy and programs.

Throughout the course of the initiative, FI partner departments faced the ongoing challenge of striving to address key factors and determinants of health that influence HIV infection and accessing policy levers that lay outside the purview of the initiative. A wide range of determinants of health impact vulnerability to HIV infection. Many of these factors fall outside the mandates of the FI responsibility centres, such as poverty, housing instability and homelessness, mental health and substance use, stigma and discrimination, and sex and gender-based inequality. Furthermore, in addition to CSC and Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (now part of Indigenous Services Canada), additional federal departments have a responsibility for ensuring the direct delivery of some health services, or the provision of health benefits, to specific populations, including HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services (namely, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Department of National Defence). However, these departments were not included among the FI partners, reducing the level of coordination possible across the federal government on policy issues related to health service delivery for HIV. The Government of Canada Five-Year STBBI Action Plan includes additional partner departments, bringing in added levers to augment the federal response to HIV and other STBBI and enhancing the capacity of the federal government to influence social determinants of health, policies and programs that address a range of factors that affect STBBI in Canada.

Lastly, the FI's singular focus on HIV was increasingly challenged by a changing domestic and international landscape that called for the integration of other STBBI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the response. This integration of the federal HIV response with other STBBI reflected Canada's endorsement in 2016 of a set of global targets for STBBI, including HIV and AIDS, as well as the acknowledgement that HIV and other STBBI share common transmission routes, risk factors and behaviours; that STBBI amplify the risk of HIV transmission, while HIV infection complicates STBBI treatment; and that STBBI, including HIV, affect overlapping key populations. The Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action,Footnote 7 launched by federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health in June 2018, outlined the importance of taking an integrated approach to these infections in order to reduce their health impact in Canada. While FI authorities allowed partner departments to address HIV along with other STBBI given the factors they shared, the FI remained primarily focused on HIV, limiting the level of integration with other STBBI that was possible in order to address these common factors in a cohesive manner. The last FI evaluation noted this limitation and recommended the Government clarify its approach to addressing STBBI. With the release of the STBBI Action Plan in 2019, the federal government has outlined its priorities for addressing STBBI, including HIV, over the coming years. This includes allowing for disease-specific interventions when appropriate (such as efforts to reduce the over-criminalization of HIV non-disclosure, or activities to promote the health of people living with HIV infection) while taking an integrated STBBI approach overall.

Lessons learned

There is a continued need for strong federal leadership in HIV, and in STBBI more broadly, given the federated health system and the importance of providing guidance and supporting a coordinated approach to HIV across Canada. In addition, HIV prevention needs have not decreased since the FI's inception, though they have evolved over the years. In addition, the number of people living with HIV in Canada has also grown over time and their needs have changed as people age while living with HIV. Important scientific developments, such as the approval of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the acquisition of HIV, and the evidence that individuals who are on treatment and can maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners (known as Undetectable=Untransmittable or U=U), hold tremendous potential to reduce the number of new HIV infections in Canada if this evidence is promoted widely. While the life expectancy of people living with HIV - provided they are able to access appropriate care, treatment and support - has nearly reached the life expectancy of people who are not HIV-positive, ensuring healthy aging with HIV and making HIV care universally available mains a challenge for some populations. Many Canadians, including Indigenous people, continue to face increased risk of HIV and STBBI and experience challenges accessing culturally appropriate care. Given improvements in the availability in Canada of emerging HIV and STBBI diagnostic technologies (such as point-of-care, Dried Blood Spot testing, and, soon, self-testing), and the ongoing requirement for effective care, treatment, and support for people living with HIV, the need to continue to support research at the federal level, to monitor our progress, and to support community-based efforts remains high. Another important lesson learned from the FI is the need to work across federal departments and with other governments and jurisdictions in order to address underlying determinants of HIV and STBBI vulnerability in Canada.

The field of HIV both domestically and globally has changed tremendously since the FI was launched in 2005. The FI successfully evolved over its lifespan to reflect changes in the policy landscape at the national and international levels, scientific developments, and domestic program needs. This is reflected in the gradual shift in focus, over a period of several years, to include other STBBI that share common transmission routes, risk factors and behaviours, and key affected populations to enhance the effectiveness of the program. The FI also successfully evolved to reflect the introduction of global targets for HIV and other STBBI through the development of a renewed policy approach to these infections involving extensive stakeholder and provincial/territorial consultation and collaboration. This shift resulted in the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action in 2018, and the subsequent STBBI Action Plan in 2019.

Finally, central to the success of the FI, and the HIV response in Canada overall, has been the involvement of people living with HIV and the strength of the community-based movement. The principles of the Greater/Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA/MIPA) have been integrated into policies and programs throughout the lifespan of the FI, through advisory bodies, working groups, as well as more informal mechanisms. The expansion of the FI to include other STBBI has resulted in the extension of the GIPA/MIPA principles to include others with lived and living experience such as people with lived or living experience of hepatitis C, people who use drugs, and other affected populations. Their voices were instrumental in shaping the future direction of the Government of Canada's response, and so critical are these principles that they have been enshrined in the guiding principles of both the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action and the Government of Canada Five-Year STBBI Action Plan.

Programs receiving ongoing funding

Federal organization Program Ongoing funding Purpose
ISC Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne-Infections Under the previous FI, $ 4.5M ongoing funding This funding is specific funding for First Nations and Inuit for culturally safe prevention, education, awareness, testing, treatment and social supports for STBBI including HIV/AIDS.
PHAC Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections $ 41,523,291 Prevent and control HIV and associated STBBI; facilitate access to testing, diagnosis, treatment, and information on prevention; and enhance the use of evidence, and knowledge about effective interventions.
CSC Health Services Branch $ 4,187,261 Assists CSC with STBBI screening and testing, prevention, and harm reduction services and programs for federal inmates that contribute to the health and well-being of staff, inmates and the broader community in Canada.
CIHR CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative $ 22,374,448 Identify research priorities and administer research support for HIV/AIDS and STBBI research support in Canada

Plans (including timelines) for evaluation and/or audit

The Communicable Disease Control Management program at Indigenous Services Canada is evaluated on a five-year cycle, under which the sub program for STBBI is evaluated. The next evaluation of this program is set for 2020-21.CHIR completed the FI evaluation and has no plans to evaluate in the near future. The next PHAC STBBI evaluation will be completed in 2023-2024.

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Response to parliamentary committees

There were no Government responses to parliamentary committee reports tabled in 2019-20.

Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)

There were no audits in 2019-20 requiring a response.

Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL)

Horizontal Audit on Credential Validation

The objectives of the audit conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) were:

The audit examined a representative sample of 278 external appointments made between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, across 15 departments and agencies.

There was only one recommendation stemming from the audit (made to the PSC). There were no recommendations for PHAC.

The report was published on May 29, 2019.

Footnote 1

Data collection for 2019-20 was delayed due to COVID-19. Survey results for the 2019-20 fiscal year are expected in February 2021.

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Footnote 2

The 2015 AHSUNC Participant Survey is the latest survey data for the program.

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Footnote 3

People who are vulnerable to and/or living with HIV.

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Footnote 4

Public health practitioners, frontline health care professionals and providers, educators, researchers, and laboratory networks.

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Footnote 5

Average Relative Citations is the number of times a published paper is cited over the three-year period following its publication.

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Footnote 6

Average Relative Impact Factor is an index that measures the scientific impact of journals where the research is published.

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Footnote 7

The Pan-Canadian Framework for Action on STBBI (2018) provides a common vision and strategic goals to guide actions of all those involved in the STBBI response, including governments (federal, provincial and territorial), Indigenous partners, people living with and affected by STBBI, community stakeholders, frontline service providers and researchers. The Government of Canada Five-Year Action Plan on STBBI (2019) lays out the Government of Canada's role for implementing the Framework over five years (2019-2024). It identifies priorities, actions, and commitments that are within federal jurisdiction that will complement provincial and territorial roles and responsibilities.

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