The public health system and health promotion organizations of Canada

Abstract

In the article we present the lessons learned from studying the public health system and health promotion organizations of Canada, to determine the possible directions for further development of the Hungarian health promotion network. We briefly describe the main roles of the public administration levels and organizations in the public health system, present relevant strategies and legislation affecting the development and functioning of the public health system, and summarize the tasks and activities of organizations at federal, provincial and regional level. Canada is divided into provinces and territories with varying degrees of autonomy, thus they have a multi-level administrative system that is also reflected in the governance and operational model of their public health system. It should beemphasized that at federal level several institutions are involved in coordinating the flow of information relevant to public health, and also keeping the databases up to date. An emphasis is placed on coordinating federal, provincial and regional strategies and activities and on evidence-based decision-making. Regional Public Health Units have a wide-ranging, complex service provision role, responding to the needs of communities. Healthcare providers need to comply with the criteria and standards set bythe provincial ministry.