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# Executive summary
Public health surveillance involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, and sharing of health-related data to support public health decisions and actions. This essential function enables public health organizations to safeguard the health and safety of people residing in Canada by detecting emerging threats, guiding appropriate responses, and informing prevention strategies. In Canada, public health surveillance systems are operated at every level of government, with varying degrees of coordination across the numerous diseases, conditions, and risk factors being monitored to inform public health action. In recent years, public health in Canada has been challenged by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid toxicity, and climate change, highlighting the importance of a shared vision for public health surveillance to align efforts and better prepare for future threats. With broad input from public health partners across the country and members of the public, the Public Health Agency of Canada has developed a collaborative vision for public health surveillance in Canada by 2030. This report is intended for public health professionals and policymakers involved in public health surveillance, as well as their collaborating partners. It may also be of value to readers interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities in public health surveillance in Canada.
Vision 2030 sees an adaptable and collaborative public health surveillance 'system of systems' able to provide timely insights for actions that improve health and reduce inequities for all people in Canada. It describes the desired states and the characteristics of a high-functioning public health surveillance 'system of systems', including clear purpose and governance, inclusive partnerships, a well-supported workforce, integrated health information, and operational efficiency. This report also highlights several existing initiatives by public health partners to address persistent challenges communicated by public health practitioners across the country. These opportunities for action are meant to reflect concrete areas where improvement would address challenges that have been observed, and the identified opportunities are accompanied by illustrative examples of actions already underway. To this end, the vision identified opportunities for: 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. Through progress on these opportunities for action, advances can be made toward a resilient public health surveillance 'system of systems' capable of informing public health action in the context of the evolving public health needs of people residing in Canada.
Vision 2030 invites everyone involved in public health surveillance in Canada to consider the directions outlined in this report, including the opportunities for action, considering their own context, priorities and resources. Together, all actors in the 'system of systems' can work towards a healthier and more equitable future for everyone in Canada.