Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement in recognition of Public Health Week, April 7-11, 2025: 

“Public Health Week is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of public health professionals throughout B.C. who work so hard to make sure people in our province are supported in achieving their best health and well-being.

“Public health professionals provide essential programs, services and guidance that keep us and our loved ones safe. Through actions such as disease and injury prevention, health promotion and health protection, our public health professionals empower people to live healthy lives.

“I want to recognize public health workers around our province, including Dr. Bonnie Henry and the team at the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, as well as the public health professionals at regional health authorities, the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Ministry of Health, for their guidance and commitment in helping people take care of their mental, physical and emotional health, and for continuing to address challenges like the effects of climate emergencies, the toxic-drug crisis and anti-Indigenous racism.

“I also commend the resilience and resolve of those in public health, who, in the face of the toxic-drug crisis, continue to work toward finding supportive solutions and connecting people to care when they’re ready.

“We are committed to supporting the needs of people in British Columbia and strengthening public health care. British Columbia continues to demonstrate significant leadership and innovation with outstanding work in public health programs and services, research, epidemiology and collaboration with partners. For example, last year we released British Columbia’s Population and Public Health Framework: Strengthening Public Health, and Age Forward: BC’s 50+ Health Strategy and 3-Year Action Plan, which include commitments to health equity, anti-racism and the principles of truth, rights and reconciliation.

“On behalf of the provincial government, I want to express my deep gratitude to every public health professional for their ongoing commitment to helping keep people safe and well, for the compassion and dedication they continuously demonstrate, and for being there for people in our province. Thank you.”