Advocacy activities

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As the independent national voice for public health in Canada, CPHA continues to advocate for evidence-informed policies that promote health equity and protect the well-being of all people in Canada. Below is a summary of our recent advocacy activities.

August 2025

• Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health: CPHA urged the Government of Canada to amend the alcohol consumption guidance on Health Canada’s website to reflect Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
• Support for Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard: CPHA wrote to the Minister of Health expressing our strong support for Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and the regulated targets for zero-emission vehicles

June 2025

• Reassignment of Public Health Nurses in New Brunswick: CPHA warns that plans to reassign 90% of public health nurses to hospitals and replace them in community settings with licensed practical nurses will critically weaken public health infrastructure, undermining prevention, immunization, disease control, and equity-focused services.
• Alcohol Sales in Nova Scotia: CPHA opposes the proposed expansion of alcohol sales, citing evidence that increased alcohol access leads to higher consumption, hospitalizations, and alcohol-related deaths—especially in youth and people who face structural disadvantage. Nova Scotia currently sees over 570 alcohol-related deaths and more than 44,000 hospital and emergency department visits annually.

May 2025

• Ontario Bill 5: CPHA and the Ontario Public Health Association expressed profound concern over Ontario’s proposed Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, which poses significant risks to public health, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights across the province.
• Alberta Bill 55: CPHA and the Alberta Public Health Association expressed concern about Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 55) that further consolidates control over public health under the direct authority of the provincial government.

April 2025

• A Coherent Approach to the Regulation of Psychoactive Substances: CPHA’s director of policy authored a commentary published by Policy Options entitled A “moonshot” at regulating psychoactive substances for public-health benefits.

March 2025

• 2025 Federal Election Factsheets: With the launch of the federal election, CPHA released a series of 15 factsheets outlining key public health priorities for the next government.

February 2025

• Defending fair trade: We issued a statement opposing the U.S. tariffs on Canadian products, highlighting the potential health and economic impacts.
• Protecting public health policy: CPHA was granted intervenor status in the legal challenge to Ontario’s Bill 212, which could have significant implications for public health governance.
• Speaking out against involuntary addictions treatment: We expressed deep concerns about Alberta’s proposed amendments to its Mental Health Act, which could expand involuntary treatment without sufficient safeguards.

January 2025

• Addressing the toxic drug crisis: We published a new position statement, Public Health Approaches to the Toxic Drug Crisis, calling for evidence-based policies to save lives.
• Defending evidence-based decision-making: We protested the politicization of Alberta’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force report, emphasizing the need for public health to remain grounded in science and transparency.
• Support for Diverse Realities of Gender Identity: CPHA supported the Government of Canada stance against policies, like the recent U.S. executive order, that erase the diverse realities of gender identity. 
• Support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: In response to growing political backlash in both the United States and Canada, CPHA reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that uplift structurally disadvantaged communities, challenge systemic barriers, and ensure everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Countering Mis- and Dis-information: CPHA stressed the importance of combating misinformation by amplifying trusted, evidence-based sources.
• Climate Action: CPHA emphasized the strong connection between climate solutions and healthier communities. Reducing pollution and mitigating climate-related health risks through cleaner energy transitions benefit everyone, particularly future generations.
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): CPHA called for a comprehensive approach to address IPV, including prevention programs, accessible support services, and policies that address systemic inequities.