February 05, 2009
For Immediate Release

News Release

Government of Canada Promotes Safe and Healthy Travel

Ottawa, February 5, 2009 – The Government of Canada today launched a new information booklet designed to help Canadians stay safe and healthy while travelling abroad. 

“This Government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians are healthy and safe, both at  home and abroad ,” said Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “Reading this booklet will help our citizens enjoy a problem-free travel experience.”

Well on Your Way, A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad, is a joint publication of the Public Health Agency of Canada and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).  It includes practical recommendations and useful tips on a range of travel health topics, including the importance of immunization and other preventative medications, infectious diseases, personal protective measures and advice on how to cope with a health emergency abroad.  The booklet also contains information on how Canadians can access consular services around the world.

“At any given time, about 3.4 million Canadians are outside of the country,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon. “Canadians need to take active responsibility for their personal health and safety when planning international trips and when travelling and living abroad. The information in this booklet will help them do that.”

Well on Your Way is part of the Government of Canada’s campaign to help inform Canadians about health, safety and security issues abroad. 

Well on Your Way will be distributed to travel health clinics, travel agencies and other travel-related retail outlets.  It is also available on the websites of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (www.travel.gc.ca).

Contact:

Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary,
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Natalie Sarafian
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Philippe Brideau
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-4532 

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874

www.publichealth.gc.ca                    www.travel.gc.ca