The following guiding principles for the Policy Framework reflect the current values and desired goals underlying patient safety policy in Canada:

• Patient care is as safe as possible across Canada, and efforts are made to improve care when a patient safety incident occurs; 
• Jurisdictions and organizations have mechanisms for measuring and monitoring safety;  
• Patients, families and the public are actively engaged and empowered; 
• Supportive and engaged leadership promotes a culture of safety; 
• A caring and just culture is established at all levels of the Canadian healthcare system; and 
• The health workforce is engaged and supported.