Canadian healthy communities project : a conceptual model for Winnipeg

Abstract

While in Canada health care falls in provincial jurisdiction, health itself is everyone's responsibility, and, it may be argued, particularly that of municipal government. Health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is defined as • . . . a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely absence of disease or infirmity" (1946, p.1). Viewed as such, health becomes the business of municipal government, as the level of government whose policies and decisions in physical planning and in areas such as water, waste management, transportation and parks, have the most immediate impact on the daily lives of citizens. The Canadian Healthy Communities Project presents an opportunity for municipal governments and people of the community to work together to build and maintain physical and social environments which promote the well- being of all citizens.