Abstract

Does anyone own exclusive space in the journey to create a community-based primary healthcare system? What is the role of public health in this important work? This response to the lead paper explores the unique contribution that public health professionals make in transforming our primary healthcare system, focusing on some of the excellent work that is currently happening in Nova Scotia as examples of how public health and primary healthcare are collaborating and each contributing to this exciting journey. Public health does not need to wait to be invited to the party! It has a responsibility to fulfill the mandate that has been given to it and, in doing so, is contributing greatly to positively impacting on the determinants of health.