Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health. Key functions include: regulating the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, natural health products, and consumer products; setting food safety standards; regulating tobacco, cannabis, and controlled substances; addressing health risks from environmental factors; and supporting Indigenous health services. Health Canada approves drugs and medical devices before they can be sold in Canada, establishes product labelling requirements, and monitors post-market safety. While provinces deliver healthcare services, Health Canada sets national standards and administers the Canada Health Act governing provincial health insurance plans. The department also coordinates federal responses to health emergencies and provides health information to Canadians. Health Canada decisions on drug approvals, food safety, and health product regulation directly affect what's available to Canadians and the safety of products they use.