Creating a Healthier Canada: Making Prevention a Priority

Overview of the Declaration on Prevention and Promotion from Canada's Ministers of Health and Health Promotion/Healthy Living

The main causes of death, disease, and disability in Canada today are chronic diseases and injuries; however, a large proportion of chronic diseases, disabilities and injuries can be prevented, or their onset can be delayed.

In September 2010 Canada's Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and of Health Promotion/Healthy Living adopted the Declaration on Prevention and Promotion: a written, public statement of vision to work together, and with others, to make the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, disability and injury a priority for action.

Through the Declaration, Ministers recognize that actions from within and outside government are necessary to ensure the conditions that determine our overall health. In addition, many of the pre-conditions required for good health lie outside the health sector, and are environmental, economic, educational and community based.

Promoting health and preventing chronic disease, disability and injury is everyone's business, and helps all Canadians live longer, healthier lives.

For more information:

• Read the Declaration on Prevention and Promotion from Canada's Ministers of Health and Health Promotion/Healthy Living
• News Release: Health Ministers Agree on Ways to Strengthen the Health of Canadians

Related information:

• Curbing Childhood Obesity: A Framework for Action to Promote Healthy Weights