Health portfolio

The Minister of Health is responsible for maintaining and improving the health of Canadians. This is supported by the Health Portfolio which comprises Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The Health Portfolio consists of approximately 12,000 full-time equivalent employees and an annual budget of over $3.8 billion.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Mitigating risks to food safety is the CFIA's highest priority, and the health and safety of Canadians is the driving force behind the design and development of CFIA programs. The CFIA, in collaboration and partnership with industry, consumers, and federal, provincial and municipal organizations, continues to work towards protecting Canadians from preventable health risks related to food and zoonotic diseases.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is Canada's premier federal agency for health research. Its objective is to create new knowledge that can be translated into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened health care system.

Health Canada

Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is a quasi-judicial body that protects consumers and contributes to health care by ensuring that the manufacturers' prices of patented medicines are not excessive.

Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada was created to deliver on the Government of Canada's commitment to help protect the health and safety of all people and communities in Canada. Its activities focus on:

• promoting health, well-being and equity
• protecting against threats to public health
• preventing and reducing diseases and injury