Public Health Agency of Canada Launched a New Behavioural Science Office: What You Should Know

Understanding its impact on public health decisions.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has launched a Behavioural Science Office (BeSciO) under Chief Medical Officer Theresa Tam. This initiative aims to study how to influence public compliance with health measures, raising important ethical questions about transparency and the use of taxpayer money.

The BeSciO was established to enhance the government’s pandemic response by focusing on human behaviour in public health. It collaborates with global organizations like the WHO, seeking to understand the psychological and social factors that impact decision-making.

In its first report, published August 2024, BeSciO outlines its activities from 2021 to 2023, including 11 research projects and numerous community outreach efforts. It aims to address various health issues, including vaccine confidence and mental health, and intends to predict public responses to health policies.

This approach of using behavioural science to nudge compliance raises concerns about individual autonomy and trust. We should all be aware of these psychological strategies and advocate for transparency in how public health decisions are communicated and implemented.

See the full report from Tamara Ugolini at Rebel News.