Health Canada, according to its website, “is responsible for establishing standards for the safety and nutritional quality of all foods sold in Canada.” It is part of the Health Portfolio that the Minister of Health is responsible for. Health Canada has authority under the Food and Drug Act to perform its mandate Food and Drug Regulations.
Before there was Health Canada, there was the Department of Health. It was formed as a response to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The Department of Health combined with other departments in 1944 and became Health Canada in 1993.
There are eight areas that Health Canada manages: product safety, drugs and health products, environmental and workplace health, food and nutrition, health care system, health concerns, healthy living, and health science and research.
This is a list of some of the major areas that Health Canada oversees.
Medicare
Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments work to provide eligible residents with the healthcare they need. One of the major things Health Canada manages is the country’s healthcare system, Medicare. It uses taxpayer funds to provide a service that many Canadians can enjoy. Learn more about Canada’s role in our healthcare on its website.
Dental
In 2023, Canada’s Liberal government, along with the federal New Democrat’s Party, expanded funding for dental procedures under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This covers seniors over 65 who make less than $90,000 a year. Children under 18 were added in 2024. In 2025, the government expanded the service even more to include those aged 19-64 who aren’t covered by insurance and make less than $90,000 a year. If you are eligible, you can apply online.
Drugs
Before drug companies can sell to Canadians, they have to show Health Canada proof that their products are safe and functioning. You can find out more about how they review drugs on the Government of Canada’s website. Health Canada has the Drug Product Database. If you need to get information about a drug, the site allows you to search.
The drug cannabis was legalized in 2018. There are still laws that you have to follow, and you can get in trouble for not abiding by the rules. As it is a regulated drug, Health Canada is responsible for making sure products containing cannabis are safe for Canadians.
Healthy living
Health Canada also gives advice on how to live a healthy life. They cover a lot of areas like healthy eating, mental health and sun safety. If you ever need professional advice on any of the areas they cover, you can always visit the site for more information.
Foods
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is “dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants.” It isn’t a part of Health Canada, but it is responsible for making sure that our food supply is safe.
Health Canada has been providing “national leadership in nutrition since the 1930s.” They develop guidelines for our food. On their website, you can find tips on how to cook your food, the type of foods to have in your daily diet and much more.
Recalls
Health Canada issues recalls letting the public know that something is being pulled off the shelves and the market. This can be due to improper labelling or contamination. They post recalls on this website.
They get information of what to recall from the CFIA or from companies that need something they manufactured off the market. If you have a concern with a product, you can report it to them. There’s also the option of signing up for email notices of recalls so you can be alert.
Health Canada works in many ways to make sure that Canadians are safe. You explore the website to read more on any topics that interest you.