Newfoundland and Labrador’s Protection and Promotion of Public Health Act became law on July 1, 2019.
The Act enables the Provincial Government to respond more effectively to emerging public health challenges and emergencies. The Act also strengthens a physician’s duty to notify a Medical Officer of Health if a patient presents with a communicable disease.
In keeping with The Way Forward commitment, the Act enshrines a Health-in-all-Policies approach, which is a modern public health tool that has gained prominence globally as it recognizes that complex problems in the health sector are linked to the social determinants of health. Newfoundland and Labrador is the second province in Canada to reference this approach in its public health legislation.
Prior to being introduced during the 2018 fall sitting of the House of Assembly there was a public health forum, stakeholder engagement sessions, and an online questionnaire via Engage NL.
The new legislation supports commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
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“This legislation brings our public health system into the twenty-first century. It gives the province the flexibility to respond to changing needs and demands. I am particularly pleased that a Health-in-all Policies approach is rooted in the legislation putting us at the forefront of public health innovation. It reminds us that we must be keenly aware of the impact that the social determinants of health can have on individual and population health.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Learn more
The Way Forward
Public Invited to Provide Input on New Public Health Legislation
New Public Health Legislation to be Introduced in the House of Assembly
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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca