Introduction: Good science supports good health

Good science supports good health.

Scientists study ‘stuff’ that might turn into useful technology or treatments for disease in the years to come. Their progress can be slow but their work is immensely important to the quality of our lives and those of future generations.

Anything from big black holes in deep space, to brain research and its relevance to Alzheimer’s, can impress us, inspire us and even change the way we live.

Science is intrinsically relevant to human life.

Canadians rely on the strong foundation of science and research in the partners of the Government of Canada’s Health Portfolio (Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board) to help protect and improve their health. Health Canada, for example, has more than 160 research scientists working in 50 laboratories in 15 locations across the country. Over 200 scientists at the Public Health Agency of Canada, over 900 scientists at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and more than 13,000 researchers supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research round out the scientific arm of the Health Portfolio. From coast to coast to coast, Health Portfolio scientific expertise and its applied science activities, such as food safety, plant and animal health, disease tracking, and compliance testing of consumer products, contributes to decisions about health standards, health policy, regulations and health programs.

Also, research and applied science are used to help develop the portfolio's policies and programs.

The work of Health Portfolio scientists and researchers helps influence decisions about diseases, hazardous substances, food and drugs, consumer products, tobacco and much more. It also allows the Health Portfolio to:

  • anticipate and respond to public health risks posed by diseases, environmental hazards, food and other threats;
  • verify that the drugs, food, medical devices and other therapeutic products available to Canadians are safe and effective; and
  • provide information to Canadians to help them make informed decisions about their health.


In this blog you can read about the Health Portfolio’s science and research activities, explore opportunities for professional development, and find out about our partnerships and how we invest in research. You can also access reports or publications related to the scientific activities and discover the faces and places that make science happen throughout the Health Portfolio.

- Susan Demaray