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Public health practice in Canada is rooted in evidence and driven by population needs. Surveillance — the collection, analysis, interpretation and sharing of data — is an essential public health function that informs decision-making and guides public health responses.
This report by the Public Health Agency of Canada summarizes input from public health professionals and partners across the country to outline a collaborative vision for public health surveillance in Canada by 2030.
The vision “aims to provide a shared understanding of the goals and challenges of public health surveillance and to highlight initiatives led by partners across Canada that are moving surveillance toward the vision” (p. 5).
A surveillance “system of systems”
Surveillance in Canada is highly decentralized, with each province and territory leading its own system. Vision 2030 emphasizes that collaboration across organizations and jurisdictions is critical for timely information sharing and meaningful action.
At the centre of the vision is an adaptable, resilient and collaborative public health surveillance “system of systems” that aims to achieve unified purpose and governance, inclusive partnerships, a well-supported workforce, integrated health information and operational efficiency.
Defining characteristics of this system of systems include being agile, collaborative, connected, equitable, and informed by users and communities to ensure accurate and representative data.
Opportunities for action to reach Vision 2030
The report outlines key directions for building a high-functioning surveillance system and addressing current challenges.
It also identifies the following opportunities for action:
- governance structures that enable authorized access to high-quality, timely surveillance data;
- strengthening relationships between public health surveillance partners and the communities they serve;
- supporting Indigenous data sovereignty and the development of culturally relevant and resourced health systems;
- creating a well-equipped workforce; and,
- modernizing data and data-sharing infrastructure. (p. 7)
Each opportunity is accompanied by an example of an innovative surveillance strategy currently in use in Canada.
Figure 1 in the report (p. 8) provides a summary of Vision 2030, outlining the desired states, characteristics, challenges and opportunities for a surveillance system that moves data to public health action in Canada. It serves as a useful reference for those involved in surveillance practice or education.
Working toward Vision 2030
Vision 2030 encourages public health and cross-sectoral partners to reflect on the critical importance of a strong surveillance system and the steps needed to achieve it. Collaboration across sectors can break down current barriers, support shared learning, build on existing strengths and leverage innovation occurring across the country.
By working together, partners at all levels — including federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, local and non-governmental — can strengthen public health surveillance and help build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in Canada.
Use this resource to
- Understand the opportunities and challenges in public health surveillance in Canada
- Reflect on current surveillance practices and opportunities for action
- Develop a surveillance strategy that reflects the defining characteristics presented by Vision 2030, including being collaborative and adaptable
Alignment with NCCDH work
Surveillance is essential for defining and contextualizing data to understand health inequities. It is central to the public health role of assess and report discussed in Let’s Talk: Public health roles for improving health equity, which offers public health organizations a framework for reflection and action.
A strong surveillance system supports better understanding of the evolving and diverse needs of unique communities and populations across Canada. The data collected can guide meaningful public health action and policy to address inequities.
The NCCDH has published numerous resources on strengthening data collection, sharing and action, including:
Measuring what counts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Equity indicators for public health
Equity-integrated population health status reporting: Action framework
The Learning Together series on population health status reporting
Public Health Speaks: Purposeful reporting for health equity
Improving health equity in Saskatoon: From data to action
Webinar: Communicating data for health equity action
See other resources related to the public health role of assess and report.
Reference
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2025). Vision 2030: Moving data to public health action. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/science-research-data/vision-2030-moving-data-action/vision-2030-moving-data-action.pdf