A commentary on "Achieving Health for All: a Framework for Health Promotion"

In November 1986, the Minister of National Health and Welfare released a discussion paper called Achieving Health for All: A Framework for Health Promotion. The aim of this document is to present a new vision for health in Canada and to propose health promotion as a process to improve health for all Canadians. A framework of health challenges, health promotion mechanisms and implementation strategies is presented as a model to guide health programs and policies. Achieving Health for All builds upon the concepts and principles of health and health promotion that have been developing in Canada and other countries over the last 10-15 years. This article reviews the strengths and limitations of the framework and suggests its use in conjunction with the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, which was released in November, 1986. Implications of the framework for The Canadian Dietetic Association and dietitian/nutritionists are also presented. Dietetic and nutrition professionals are challenged to become familiar with the concepts and principles of Achieving Health for All and to assume a leadership role in promoting food and nutrition programs and policies as part of this new vision for health for all Canadians.