Strong public health systems are essential to protecting the health of Canadians by helping prevent disease, promote well-being, and reduce health inequities. By investing in research, the Government of Canada strengthens the capacity of our public health systems to address challenges such as the opioid overdose crisis, climate-related events, infectious disease outbreaks, and persistent social and economic health inequities.
Today, Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $10 million from the Government of Canada and partner organizations to support the Strengthening Resilient and Equitable Public Health Systems (STEPS) research initiative. STEPS is led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and delivered in partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Michael Smith Health Research BC.
By supporting interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral research, STEPS brings together researchers, decision-makers, practitioners, and community partners to address real-world public health challenges. Fourteen teams will generate actionable evidence and develop practical solutions to strengthen how public health systems are organized, governed, financed, staffed and delivered.
These research teams are working on solutions to issues that matter to Canadians, including:
- building a Canada-wide civilian emergency reserve to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond during public health crises
- creating a national drug monitoring and alert system to help respond more quickly to the opioid crisis
- improving how community-based services for seniors work together
- improving how youth mental health and substance use services are designed and delivered
- using artificial intelligence to help prevent strokes in Indigenous communities in rural and remote areas
- improving heart health through First Nations-led approaches
- addressing systemic racism and inequities in public health systems, including anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism
Together, these projects will strengthen the building blocks and core functions of public health systems while generating practical tools, data, and approaches that decision-makers and communities can use. By improving coordination, preparedness, and equity-focused responses, this work will help public health systems better prevent and respond to emerging challenges, support healthier communities, and deliver more equitable outcomes for people across the country.
“Public health systems are the foundation of a healthier, more equitable society. This investment will help generate the evidence needed to strengthen resilience, improve preparedness, and ensure better health outcomes for people across Canada.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
