Knowledge Resources & Publications

Margaret J. Haworth-Brockman, Sarah E. Neil-Sztramko, Donna Atkinson, Maureen Dobbins, Heather Husson, Marianne Jacques, Yoav Keynan, Lydia Ma, Malcolm Steinberg, Faith Layden, and Claire Betker

Commentary—presentation and reflections on renewing Canada’s public health core competencies

May 2026

Commentary — presentation and reflections on renewing Canada’s public health core competencies

Commentary — presentation and reflections
on renewing Canada’s public health
core competencies

The publication of the 2025 Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 2.0 is the result of 3 years of collaborative efforts and is a rare opportunity to reflect on the transformative processes involved. The updated competencies provide a common language for effective practice and a baseline to fulfill the core functions of public health in Canada. The update process involving the public health community across the country generated powerful insights about the importance of equity, effective governance, meaningful engagement, and the evolving identity of public health in Canada. This Commentary presents the renewed Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada as well as reflections on what was learned along the way.

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