2016
The Opioid Crisis in Canada
December 13, 2016
There is an expanding opioid crisis in Canada that is resulting in epidemic-like numbers of overdose deaths. These deaths are the result of an interaction between prescribed, diverted and illegal opioids (such as fentanyl) and the recent entry into the illegal drug market of newer, more powerful synthetic opioids. The current approaches to managing this situation – focused on changing prescribing practices and interrupting the flow of drugs – have failed to reduce the death toll and should be supplemented with an enhanced and comprehensive public health approach. Such an approach would include the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience.Early Childhood Education and Care
June 1, 2016
Early childhood education and care plays an important part in healthy childhood development and provides valuable support to families with young children. Canada, however, does not have a pan-Canadian approach to ECEC and CPHA calls on the Federal government to work with provinces and territories to establish a pan-Canadian early childhood education and care strategy.Medical Assistance in Dying
April 1, 2016
As a result of the 2015 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada (Carter v. Canada), the Government of Canada has developed legislation regarding medical assistance in dying. CPHA recognizes that this legislation will provide additional options for those suffering with terminal illness, but underscores the need that such decisions be based on the best available medical information for each case, and the moral and ethical concerns of both the person requesting assistance and the health professional(s) providing the service.2015
Discussion Paper on the Ecological Determinants of Health
May 1, 2015
The future of life on Earth cannot be taken for granted as our species has the capacity to influence that future – for good or ill. This paper is not the definitive word on the topic of the ecological determinants of health. Its goal is to begin a conversation, stimulate debate and ultimately motivate the public health community to action.
Background
Global Change and Public Health: Addressing the Ecological Determinants of Health | The report in brief (April 2015)
2014
Statement of Support for a National Inquiry Concerning Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women
October 20, 2014
CPHA supports the calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women originating from the Assembly of First Nations, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, other First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples associations, the families of the missing and murdered, and the Premiers of Canada’s provincial and territorial governments.
Managing Illegal Psychoactive Substances in Canada
May 15, 2014
CPHA supports the development of public health approaches for addressing the needs of people who use illegal psychoactive substances while recognizing the requirement for a public-health-oriented regulatory framework for the production, manufacture, distribution, product promotion, and sale of these products. To support the development and implementation of such a framework, this discussion paper describes how a shift to a public health approach can improve outcomes, articulates a vision for 2025, and provides a framework for action.
2011
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Public Health Within a Federal-Provincial/Territorial Health Transfer Agreement
November 3, 2011
Presentation to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The anticipated renewal of the federal-provincial/territorial agreement on health/health care presents an opportune time to reconsider and reevaluate the factors that have, over the years, fostered success in the Canadian health system and those factors that can improve the system in the future. The relatively small section of the current health fund transfer agreement dedicated to public health serves as a reminder that there is still much room for improvement.