This review has happened entirely within the federal government’s active and ongoing COVID‑19 response. We believe that this is an appropriate context for PHAC to position GPHIN in a way that reflects and captures the value it provides both domestically and internationally, and that recognizes the importance and potential of an open-source EBS system. Our remit directs us to consider GPHIN first and foremost. However, for GPHIN to succeed, it must be situated within an environment that makes the best use of the intelligence it produces. Our recommendations, therefore, identify the enabling conditions within PHAC necessary for GPHIN to function effectively as part of an integrated public health surveillance system and be well connected to a coordinated, risk assessment function.