Abstract
Office of International Affairs (OIA) activities aim to strategically advance the Health Portfolio's international priorities to support Canada's domestic health policy and the Government of Canada's foreign health policy objectives, as well as ensure that Canada's interests and values are reflected in the global health agenda. Overall, the activities carried out by the Office of International Affairs (OIA), which comprises of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), can be categorized into three broad groups: global (international) health policy analysis, advice, and support; international relations and engagement; and priority setting and international performance reporting (strategic planning). The Bilateral Engagement, Summits, and Trade Division (BESTD) leads and manages the Portfolio's engagement with key bilateral and regional partners, and supports the development, coordination, and monitoring of the Portfolio’s positions on international trade negotiations. I completed my practicum in BESTD within the OIA as a Junior Policy Analyst. My primary role was to monitor and report on the global and domestic COVID-19 status and research global mental health priorities and Canada’s role. Understanding the status of the pandemic internationally allows governments and health organizations to make informed decisions about how to respond and protect public health. This includes implementing measures such as lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine rollouts. Furthermore, as nations begin to move to an endemic state, it is also important to have accurate information about COVID-related restrictions and travel mandates in other countries, as this can impact the health of Canadians and inform policy work. Every week I would publish two key policy documents: International COVID Comparisons Tracker and International Vaccine Requirements Tracker. Both documents would be distributed to various members of the agency for the use in future policy steps. The OIA also supported the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA), who is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of policies and programs related to mental health and addiction in Canada, and her delegation to the Global Mental Health Summit that was held in Rome. I supported my team’s work comparing mental health initiatives, standards, and global projects by updating country profile documents outlining various national approaches to mental health support, treatment, and standards.