Introduction: In health promotion and chronic disease prevention, both best and promising practices can provide critical insights into what works for enhancing the health-related outcomes of individuals and communities, and how/why these practices work in different situations and contexts.

Methods : The promising practices criteria were developed using the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC's) existing best practices criteria as the foundation. They were modified and pilot tested (three rounds) using published interventions. Theoretical and methodological issues and challenges were resolved via consultation and in-depth discussions with a working group.

Results: The team established a set of promising practices criteria, which differentiated from the best practices criteria via six specific measures.

Conclusion : While a number of complex challenges emerged in the development of these criteria, they were thoroughly discussed, debated and resolved. The Canadian Best Practices Portal's screening criteria allow one to screen for both best and promising practices in the fields of public health, health promotion, chronic disease prevention, and potentially beyond.