Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Public Health Network’s mandate and authority?
• What is the Public Health Network’s structure and to whom does it report?
• Can you explain briefly how the Public Health Network will function in an emergency?
• How will the Public Health Network link with the Public Health Agency of Canada and its six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health?
• How does the Public Health Network benefit Canadians?
• How do interested public health professionals get involved?

What is the Public Health Network’s mandate and authority?

The Public Health Network is a mechanism for intergovernmental collaboration and coordination on public health issues — while respecting jurisdictional responsibilities in public health.

The principles that guide the Network in fulfilling its mandate are collaboration, responsiveness, and where necessary or appropriate, coordination of public health activities.

Through the Network, new partners are able to share knowledge and expertise, collaborate on shared priorities and strengthen the capacity of the system.

What is the Public Health Network’s structure and to whom does it report?

The Public Health Network is structured to bring together current work on public health issues in a coordinated and integrated fashion. The Network has a centralized Council consisting of 17 members appointed by and representing each jurisdiction.

The Public Health Network Council is accountable to the Conference of F/P/T Deputy Ministers of Health, providing policy and technical advice on public health matters.

The Public Health Network presents a report of the Network’s activities and future activities to F/P/T Ministers of Health each year, via the Conference of F/P/T Deputy Ministers of Health.

Can you explain briefly how the Public Health Network will function in an emergency?

In times of public health emergency the Public Health Network will draw on pre-established public health agreements and practices to coordinate the sharing of resources such as information, available lab capacity, medical equipment or health professionals. It will also provide scientific and technical advice for managing public health emergencies or emergencies with public health implications.

How will the Public Health Network link with the Public Health Agency of Canada and its six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health?

The Public Health Network Council is co-chaired by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada, Dr. David Butler-Jones, and Dr. André Corriveau, Chief Medical Officer of Alberta. Dr. Butler-Jones is also the head of the Public Health Agency of Canada — which will be one of the key vehicles to serve as a crosswalk between the multilateral work of the Network and the Agency as well as the six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health.

How does the Public Health Network benefit Canadians?

The Public Health Network is assisting governments and other public health partners in providing a high quality, efficient and responsive public health system for Canadians. A key to the Network’s effectiveness lies in its connectedness: through the Public Health Network, new partners are able to share knowledge and expertise, collaborate on shared priorities and strengthen the capacity of the system.

The Public Health Network is a forum for public health experts from across Canada to come together, to raise issues and lay plans – and to make connections – for the benefit of all Canadians.

How do interested public health professionals get involved?

If you are interested in learning more about the Public Health Network and how you might get involved, please contact the Council member representing your province.