These times of rapid change and shrinking resources call for action on all fronts by governments, businesses and communities working together to create living and working conditions supportive of health in homes, schools, workplaces and the community at large. The Forum has collected an impressive array of evidence, including examples of programs that work, which should encourage government intervention at the federal, provincial, territorial, regional and local levels. In these times, we all know that governments are experiencing numerous constraints and therefore cannot act alone. Nor do we believe that they should act alone even in the best of economies. Nonetheless, governments are the ultimate gatekeepers of the common good and are therefore the ideal candidates to encourage partnerships and collaboration.
Governments can ensure that good health like economic development is treated as a societal priority.
Governments cannot lead in all areas, nor can they divest all responsibilities to the private sector and communities. They must continue to fund public services. In addition, they can and should provide leadership and coordinate the various health-enhancing efforts and initiatives undertaken by public organizations, the private sector, families and community or volunteer groups. The private sector, including both small and large businesses, has an important role to play in fostering the health of the population. In addition to providing employment, the private sector has an important leadership role in communities.