The Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada (CDPAC) is an alliance of Canada’s major national health organizations sharing a common vision for an integrated system of research, surveillance, policies, and programs to promote healthy living and prevent chronic diseases. The four most common chronic diseases, also called NCDs, are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. These are largely preventable and share common risk factors. Reducing tobacco use and alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity and supporting healthy diets will all help to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases in Canada. These risk factors also influence mental health and there is growing recognition to include mental health in conversations about chronic diseases. Individually and collectively, we have been active in both raising awareness about how to reduce risk factors associated with these diseases and in encouraging Canadians to take preventive action.
In 2016, about 226,000 Canadians died from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. Together, these diseases account for 88% of all deaths in Canada. The causes are complex and require a comprehensive approach spanning multiple departments at multiple levels of government, civil society and the private sector.
The Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada recommends that all parties commit to increasing healthy living investments, with an emphasis on scale-up of evidence informed policies and programs, in collaboration with provinces, territories and municipal governments and other partners.