HIV infection and AIDS continue to threaten the health and social well-being of all Canadians. Health and Welfare Canada is allocating $211 million over the next five years for Phase II of the National AIDS Strategy. Phase II builds on what we have learned and what we have achieved. It is a framework for a social policy that promotes better health, understanding, care, treatment and support for those living with HIV and AIDS. Phase II reflects the evolving nature of AIDS and the need for effective partnerships among government, non-government and private sector organizations.