Advocacy

For over 35 years, PHABC has used a multi-disciplinary and evidence-based approach to speak out on issues affecting the health of British Columbians. The Public Health Association of BC is committed to promoting and protecting the public’s health. Working with public health professionals, grassroots groups, and non-profit organizations, PHABC advocates to government and other decision-makers for public policy that improves health and reduces health inequities in the province.

Advocating for healthy public policy has a long history as the cornerstone for promoting the health of the public. Advocacy encompasses taking a position on an issue and initiating actions to influence public policy choices and bring about change. In the public health field, advocacy is assumed to be in the public interest and often aims to enhance the health of disadvantaged groups. Our goal at PHABC is to speak out and be heard on issues affecting the health of British Columbians.

Within PHABC, a Policy, Advocacy and Research Committee focuses on four areas:

  • Advocating for the development and implementation of healthy public policy
  • Communicating best practices and policies to facilitate action on public health issues
  • Encouraging research into the broad issues that affect the public’s health

Cooperating regionally, nationally and internationally with other organizations to promote the public’s health.

PRESS RELEASE – Impact of Poverty on Health Concerns Public Health Association

This week commemorated the 20th anniversary of the House of Commons’ unanimous resolution to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Unfortunately, the week also saw the release…

PRESS RELEASE – Public Health Association of BC Responds to World Health Organization Report on Social Determinants

On August 28, 2008 the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants released their final report. The Commission was established in 2005 to marshal evidence and make recommendations on…

Resolution: 2008-03 – Put Children and Families First

Put Children and Families First: Support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Call for  increased tobacco control measures, reduced exposure to environmental carcinogens, protecting youth from excess UV radiation, and reducing  health…

Resolution: 2008-01 – INEQUITIES

WHEREAS health inequities are widely recognized as a growing concern for the health of populations, WHEREAS health inequities arise as a result of political, social, and economic forces that shape…

Resolution: 2008-02 – Literacy and Health

WHEREAS large numbers of residents of British Columbia have lower levels of literacy and health literacy than they require to understand public health information without assistance. WHEREAS low literacy and…

Letter to Hon Wally Oppal re Bill 42

Election Act Changes – Bill 42 Changes to Section 41 of the Elections Act (Bill 42) that will establish new voter identification requirements. PHABC is concerned that this legislation will…