What are the advantages of an independent Health Promotion Foundation?

Health Promotion Foundations are established according to legislation such as an Act of Parliament. They are governed by an independent Board of Governance composed of broad stakeholder representation and provide long-term, recurrent funds for improving the health of the population. These criteria follow the health promotion approach outlined in the Ottawa Charter (1986) and concur with guidelines identified by the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations. A Health Promotion Foundation in British Columbia would:

1. provide a comprehensive, coordinated, focused approach to health promotion in British Columbia
2. promote flexibility, responsiveness and innovation
3. address inequities and promote health by working with and across many sectors and levels of society
4. build a health promotion evidence base
5. have the ability to promote community involvement, thus reducing acute care interventions, relieving pressure on health authorities and lowering overall health costs
6. reduce bureaucracy and administrative costs
7. work with government but not as government
8. provide opportunities to leverage funds from other sources, e.g., matching funds from the Federal Government, corporate donations and community-based fundraising
9. exercise a high level of autonomous decision making and not be aligned with any one political group
10. offer permanence and stability despite changes in governments
11. increase opportunities to learn from other Health Promotion Foundations and share knowledge, experiences and tools with them
12. be transparent and accountable