What is a primary function of the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada?

The primary function of the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada is to protect the health and safety of Canadians by ensuring that food, drugs, and medical devices are safe for public use. This involves establishing regulations and guidelines to prevent health risks associated with these products, conducting scientific assessments, and monitoring compliance with safety standards. Effective oversight by this branch helps in minimizing the occurrence of health hazards and promotes overall public health.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of health management. Providing health insurance pertains more to public health policy and management rather than protection against safety risks. Research on new health services is important but does not encapsulate the core role of the Health Protection Branch, which is focused on ensuring the safety of existing products. Managing public health campaigns is another vital function within public health promotion but does not directly relate to the safety regulations that the Health Protection Branch emphasizes.