About Us - Roles and Responsibilities

The Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) provides health care to Canada's 60,000 Regular Force personnel anytime, anywhere, and to 25,000 Reserve Force personnel whenever required.

The Canadian Forces (CF) is legally responsible for delivering this service under the National Defence Act, which stipulates that the Department of National Defence must provide appropriate care to Canada's military personnel. This responsibility is entrenched in the 1867 Constitution Act, which defined health care for Canada's military personnel as a federal responsibility. In addition, the 1984 Canada Health Act specifically excludes full-time CF members from its definition of insured persons for whom health services are provided under provincial health care insurance plans.

The CF also has a strong moral commitment to provide care to its personnel. Whether in Canada or abroad, military service is an inherently dangerous way of life. In return for their commitment and unlimited liability to serve, Canada's military personnel deserve the best health care and attention possible.

The CFHS is an integral component of the CF. As well as serving the health needs of its patients while in Canada, the CFHS serves the deployed needs of the military. Without healthy sailors, soldiers and air force personnel, the CF would not be a combat capable military force.