PAN and our partners at the National Advocates table continue to advocate for the future of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Community Action Fund (CAF), a critical source of support for community-based HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI initiatives.
Following concerns raised earlier this year about potential changes to the CAF and Harm Reduction Fund (HRF) after 2028, in April PAN (and many other organizations) responded by contacting our MPs (see PAN Letter to Elizabeth May, MP) to share concerns about the future of the fund and highlight the importance of sustained community-led funding. PAN invited all CAF recipients in BC to consider approaching their local MP and has been working directly with those who have secured a meeting to help in preparation.
PAN extends its thanks to all member organizations and allies across Canada that have participated in this advocacy effort so far.
During a STBBI Community Partners Call in June, in which PAN was participating, PHAC confirmed that planning is underway to modernize and streamline the CAF, the HRF and all PHAC grants and contributions programs. PHAC indicated that public consultations are planned for the fall and will include community organizations, provincial and territorial partners, and other stakeholders. Community representatives on the call expressed strong concern that consolidating funding streams could weaken Canada’s response to HIV, viral hepatitis, and the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis by reducing dedicated support for STBBI programming at the community level.
PAN will continue to monitor developments and advocate for funding models that recognize the essential role of community-based organizations, and provide updates to our members as more information about the consultation process and pending changes becomes available.