Canada deserves pharmacare now
It was terrifying having to wait for my medication.
Heather Evans
Heart disease survivor
Advocate
COVID-19 vaccines: What we’re doing
Heart & Stroke is urging that people at high risk receive priority access to vaccines. See our letter to the Health Minister.
Create a healthier future for all Canadians
Heart & Stroke advocates for the conditions necessary for all Canadians to live healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. We are leading the push for changes that will protect you and the people you love.
Our voices save lives
With the passionate support of donors, volunteers and Canadians across the country, we’ve made great strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
That’s the power of advocacy — which drives our campaigns for a healthier Canada.
Position statements
Heart & Stroke positions on key health policy issues.
Saturated fat, heart disease and stroke
What role do fats play in a healthy diet? See the latest research and learn how what’s needed to help Canadians eat healthier to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Get the statement (PDF)
Sugar, heart disease and stroke
Canadians consume too much added sugar and it’s harming our health. See Heart & Stroke recommendations for limiting sugar and how we can work together to make it happen.
Get the statement (PDF)
Dietary sodium, heart disease and stroke
Too much salt can cause your blood pressure to rise, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. See our recommendations for helping Canadians consume less sodium.
Get the statement (PDF)
Latest news
More ways to get involved
Our advocacy is focused on creating the conditions necessary for all Canadians to live healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke
Raising stroke awareness
We’re helping Canadians recognize the signs of stroke so they can act FAST and boost the chances of survival and recovery.
Share the signs
Curbing tobacco use
We’re calling for plain and standardized tobacco packaging and regulations on e-cigarettes.
Learn more
Creating active communities
We’re working to change community design to make it easier for Canadians to include physical activity in their daily routines.
Learn more
What we’re doing in BC
Spreading FAST stroke signs
Collaborative partnerships helped us get this life-saving info to more people in BC. Read about this and more advocacy accomplishments.
Sharing advocacy resources
Get informed on the health issues that are important to you. See publications, links and background on our advocacy campaigns, including marketing to kids and stroke awareness.
Taking positions on issues that matter
Our position statements are built on the latest scientific evidence and call for action to help Canadians live healthier lives.
See the statementsSuccess stories
Here are a few of the advances we’ve achieved together by influencing public policy through advocacy.
- 13%
- relative decline in smoking rates 2010-14
- 60%
- reduction in trans fats in foods since mid-90s
- 9%
- relative rise in people who know stroke signs
Advocating through research
Heart & Stroke Position Statements capture the latest scientific evidence relating to heart disease, stroke and healthy living. They are a key advocacy tool. See position statements.