Canadian Public Health Association | Association Canadienne de Santé Publique
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Canadian Public Health Association

Vision and mission

Founded in 1910, the Canadian Public Health Association is the independent voice for public health in Canada with links to the international community. As the only Canadian non-governmental organization focused exclusively on public health, we are uniquely positioned to advise decision-makers about public health system reform and to guide initiatives to help safeguard the personal and community health of Canadians and people around the world. Our members believe in universal and equitable access to the basic conditions that are necessary to achieve health for all.

CPHA is the independent national voice and trusted advocate for public health, speaking up for people and populations to all levels of government. We champion health equity, social justice and evidence-informed decision-making. We leverage knowledge, identify and address emerging public health issues, and connect diverse communities of practice. We promote the public health perspective and evidence to government leaders and policy-makers. We are a catalyst for change that improves health and well-being for all.

Our Vision

Healthy people and communities thriving in inclusive, equitable, sustainable environments

Our Mission

To enhance the health of all people and communities in Canada, particularly those who are structurally disadvantaged, and to contribute to a healthier and more equitable world

VALUES

These organizational values are a declaration by CPHA of what it holds important and to what it aspires. By communicating and living these organizational values, CPHA knows where to put its attention, can make decisions more quickly, and can commit more fully to those decisions. These values are inextricably linked with each other:
 

Respect & Cultural Humility

  • We understand humility as self-understanding and awareness, particularly recognizing the limits of one’s own talents, ability or authority; openness; and perspective.
  • We recognize that respect and cultural humility are fundamental to all our relationships, including those with individuals, organizations, communities, and the natural environment.
  • We commit to conducting ourselves with respect at all times and in all situations, to building respectful relationships with members, partners, and communities, and to advocating for the elimination of power imbalances in CPHA and in public health systems.

Relationships & Collaboration

  • We understand that we are interconnected with the environment and in relationship with each other, and that collaboration is the process of intentionally engaging other people or organizations in a respectful and open manner to achieve a shared goal.
  • We recognize that by intentionally collaborating and building relationships, we benefit by the diversity of perspectives, the linkage of networks and the harnessing of energies to achieve an impact not possible as a lone entity.
  • We commit to involving others in our activities; sharing information and insights; respecting and valuing diverse understanding; and acknowledging all participants.

Equity & Social Justice

  • We understand that equity exists when every person and community can attain their aspirations and well-being, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving their potential due to social position or any other socially defined circumstance.
  • We recognize that by working to achieve social justice, we positively affect inequities in several domains, most importantly in health. We will strive to advocate for the removal of systemic and structural barriers in society to create conditions for equity and ensure that everyone lives with dignity and equal opportunity.
  • We commit to seek equity such that every person and community can attain their aspirations and well-being and overcome inequalities that infringe on fairness and human rights. To do this we will apply a health equity lens to our activities.

Statement on Diversity in All Aspects of CPHA

CPHA respects and values diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of its work. The Association recognizes that Canada and its membership are increasingly diverse. In order to contribute to a healthier and more equitable world, CPHA is committed to being an inclusive organization that respects dignity and human rights.

CPHA is dedicated to diversity and inclusiveness as core considerations in its governance (e.g., nominations), operations (e.g., staffing), and other activities (e.g., annual conference). In accordance with its vision and mission, CPHA recognizes that participation from diverse perspectives contributes to a more creative and flexible Association that will lead to improved decision-making processes and policy advice for equitable health outcomes.

CPHA is committed to identifying and addressing structural barriers that prevent diverse and inclusive participation in its work.