Public Involvement Public Involvement A population health approach promotes participation of all Canadians in developing strategies to improve health. The approach ensures appropriate opportunities for Canadians to have meaningful input into the development of health priorities, strategies and the review of outcomes. A population health approach engages citizens through the public involvement process, which recognizes the role, contribution and shared accountability of stakeholders, citizens and governments in the development of sound and effective public policies.
Involvement refers to the level of participation along a continuum.
All levels of the continuum are valid, depending on one's objective, need and desired level of public influence. Public is defined as individuals, consumers, citizens and special interest groups such as environmental, health, consumer and voluntary groups, and industry, scientific and professional associations. At times, a commitment to inform and educate is all that is needed to address concerns or convey results. At other times it is part of the preparation for a future involvement exercise, e.g. consultation booklets. An important first step at the beginning of every public involvement process is providing clear, accurate, accessible information in order for the public to fulfill its right and responsibility to be informed about the issues, to represent its views, to learn from others and, where necessary to work with others to find common ground.