In this paper the author outlines a broad new conceptual approach to the organization of health statistics data for Canada. It represents the initial thinking in a longer term project directed towards the review of the basic form and content of Statistics Canada's program of health statistics. Two major concerns have given rise to the project. First is the general lack of coherence in health data, as compared for example to the System of National Accounts. Second is a widely perceived imbalance in data collection efforts that places too much weight on the resources devoted to provision of health care and not enough on the health status of the population–both in terms of distribution and temporal trends. These concerns are reviewed, and then a new conceptual framework within which these concerns could be met is suggested.“Her account of the voyage was considerably more interesting than the account of expenses incurred; but she was asked to account for spending so much of the voyage visiting minor satellites rather than seeking a broad overview of the entire syst