The Healthy Early Childhood (PES) program aims to improve the health and promote the development of children and their families, particularly those living in high-risk environments.

March 21, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Improving the health and well-being of children and families in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) across Canada is a priority for the Government of Canada. Implementing health and development programs adapted to the culture and language of the communities served helps strengthen the health of children, families and the community across multiple generations.

Today, the Honorable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced a donation of $9,450,000 over five years to two organizations under the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) PES program. This investment will significantly increase access to community programs related to early childhood health promotion in OLMCs, including support for families facing barriers to health equity. It will also contribute to expanding knowledge and resources and improving capacity building to improve the health and development of children (from birth to 6 years of age).

• The Société Santé en Français (SSF) will receive $7,560,000 to support Francophones living in OLMCs outside Quebec.
• The Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) will receive $1,890,000 to support English speakers living in OLMCs in Quebec.

The SSF and CHSSN will redistribute funds to community organizations to support the implementation and implementation of initiatives adapted to the local situation, including those that provide prenatal and postnatal activities, parenting skills programs, and programs focusing on emotional bonds between parents and offer to children. Over the next five years, the SSF will support capacity building, create training and networking opportunities, organize knowledge sharing and transfer activities, while distributing resources to its community partners.