Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was created in September 2004, after the SARS outbreak of 2003, due to concerns about the capacity of the Canadian public health system to anticipate and respond effectively to public health threats. The agency's role is to help build an effective public health system in Canada, which allows Canadians to achieve better health and well-being, while protecting them from threats to their health security. The PHAC has three main areas of responsibility: preventing and responding to outbreaks of infectious disease and other public health emergencies, preventing chronic disease and injury, and promoting good health.

The agency is directed by the Chief Public Health Officer, who reports to the Minister of Health. The Chief Public Health Officer fills a dual ...