The Department has a leadership role in policy direction for the Province.  In keeping with the national framework, a population health approach is used as a foundation to policy development.  The Department develops and coordinates position papers on matters relating to policy, practice, legislation, and federal/provincial issues for the programs within its mandate.  Policy services also include developing and coordinating responses to a variety of inquiries from the public and from organizations within and outside the province, including professional associations and other interest groups.  The development of future policy directions is conducted in consultation with external stakeholders.

The Department also takes a leadership role through its support for the integration of an evidence-based approach to the management and delivery of health and community services programs.  Planning, program development, standard setting, monitoring and evaluation are an integral part of the Department's function.  This is assisted through the provision of consultant services, a resource centre, human resources planning, departmental strategic and operational planning, and the articulation of an accountability model that is consistent with Government's overall accountability framework.