The Government of Canada and its partners are investing more than $10 million to support new public health research aimed at building stronger, more resilient, and more equitable health systems across the country. Through the Strengthening Resilient and Equitable Public Health Systems (STEPS) initiative, 14 interdisciplinary research teams will work to develop evidence-based solutions that address some of Canada's most pressing public health challenges.
Led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with organizations including the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Michael Smith Health Research BC, the initiative brings together researchers, policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and community organizations to improve how public health services are designed, governed, funded, and delivered.
The funded projects will focus on strengthening public health systems in areas such as health equity, infectious disease preparedness, climate-related health challenges, the opioid overdose crisis, and community well-being. By generating actionable research and practical recommendations, the initiative aims to support evidence-informed decision-making and improve health outcomes for Canadians.
The investment reflects a growing recognition that strong public health infrastructure is essential for responding to emerging health threats while reducing long-standing social and economic health inequities. By supporting collaborative health research and knowledge sharing, the STEPS initiative seeks to create more effective, resilient, and equitable public health systems for the future.
To learn more about the STEPS initiative, public health research funding, health equity, and Canada's efforts to strengthen public health systems, read the full announcement from the Government of Canada.
