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Archive - Media Notices 2007
December
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - December 18, 2007
Mr. Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Health Minister, will highlight community funding for a project to promote physical activity and fight obesity among children. The funding is provided through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Healthy Living Fund.
Media are invited to attend.
Date:
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Location:
Edmison Heights Public School
1111 Royal Drive
Peterborough, Ontario
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Media Inquiries:
Karen Feeley
Office of MP Dean Del Mastro
(705) 745-2108
Elizabeth Haydon Laughlin
Public Health Agency of Canada
(416) 954-5327
November
NOTE TO EDITORS - Friday, November 23, 2007
On behalf of The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Mr. Steven Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary of Health, and Mr. Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orleans will participate in the launch of a youth awareness campaign for the 3C Foundation of Canada. The goal of the campaign is to increase the public's awareness and understanding of the problems associated with the lives of those suffering from Crohn's disease and colitis.
More information about the 3C Foundation can be found online at
http://www.3Cfoundation.org
Media are invited to attend.
Date:
Monday, November 26, 2007
Times:
Event: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location:
Henry Larsen Elementary School
1750 Sunview Drive
Orleans (Gloucester)
Media Inquiries:
Jacinthe Perras
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-941-8189
NOTE TO EDITORS - Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada released a report today that highlights the most common respiratory diseases that affect Canadians, entitled Life & Breath: Respiratory Diseases in Canada. The report also details the most important risk factors for respiratory diseases and describes the use of lung transplantation in Canada.
The report is based on the most recent surveillance data available and illustrates the need for action to help Canadians breathe easier.
The report is available on the Agency's website at the following link:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/2007/lbrdc-vsmrc/index-eng.php
Media Inquiries:
Jacinthe Perras
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-941-8189
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will visit the site of one of the largest disaster exercises ever to take place in Canada. Emergency teams from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government are working in partnership to stage and execute this national deployment exercise which will test the Public Health Agency of Canada's first Health Emergency Response Team.
Following a tour of the mock disaster site, Minister Clement will speak at news conference and make an announcement on behalf of Canada's Public Safety Minister, Stockwell Day. Also attending the exercise and speaking at the news conference will be Ontario Health Minister, George Smitherman and Toronto Fire Services Chief Terry Boyko.
Media must register in advance with:
Toronto Fire Services
416-338-9319 // mstrapko@toronto.ca
Date:
Friday, November 23, 2007
Times:
Media technical briefing 6:30 a.m.
Site access: 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Minister Clement will be onsite from 7a.m. to 8a.m., speaking at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Location:
Exercise Site: former Constellation Hotel
900 Dixon Road
Toronto
Media Arrival Site:
Carlingview Drive entrance
Media Inquiries:
Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health
613- 957-0200
Patti Robson
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-1788
Laurel Ostfield
Office of the Honourable George Smitherman
Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
(416) 212-4048
David Jensen
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
(416) 314-6197
Christine Bujold
ORNGE
(416) 531-7577
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, will deliver remarks at an event to mark the first United Nations-recognized World Diabetes Day.
Participating at the event with Minister Clement will be representatives from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association and more than 100 students from Stittsville Public School.
Media are invited to attend.
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Time:
Event: 12:15 p.m.
Location:
Parliament Hill - Centre Block
(outside)
Media Inquiries:
Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health
613- 957-0200
Jacinthe Perras
Public Health Agency of Canada
613- 941-8189
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will deliver closing remarks at the Second Annual US - Canada Forum on Mental Health and Productivity, organized by the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health.
The Forum will host scientists, as well as business and healthcare executives from both countries as they seek ways to forge a "cure and prevention strategy" for major mental illnesses.
Media are invited to attend.
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Time:
The Minister's participation begins at 4:15 pm
Location:
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Ridge Place
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Laryssa Waler
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
October
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Sunday, October 21, 2007
Members of the Public Health Agency of Canada's mobile laboratory teams which have been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to contain the Ebola virus outbreak, have concluded their field work.
The scientists will be available to brief media about their work: one team will be at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, and the other will join by conference call from the DRC.
Date: Monday, October 22, 2007
Time:
Event: 12:30 p.m. CDT
Location:
Theatre
Canadian Science Centre for
Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg
Media can also participate in the briefing by calling 1-888- 265-0464. The conference number is 21619536.
Media Inquiries:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Kelly Keith
(204) 789-5028
Alain Desroches
(613) 948-7970
September
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Friday, September 28, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will take part in the National Arts Centre Foundation's National Roundtable on Healing and the Arts: Healthy Mental Development for Children and Youth.
Minister Clement will join a prominent group of leaders in the medical and social policy fields, as well as arts supporters and senior public policy makers, to discuss the mental health challenges faced by young people.
More information about this event is available on the website of the National Arts Centre at the following link:
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/nacnews/viewnews.cfm?ID=1472
Media are invited to attend.
Date
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Time
Event: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Minister's participation begins at 10:45 am
Location
National Arts Centre Salon
53 Elgin Street
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Laryssa Waler
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Thursday, September 27, 2007
On October 1, 2007, the Minister of Health Tony Clement will join the World Health Organization and Help the Aged UK at Canada House in London, England, to mark International Day of Older Persons.
Together, they will unveil a key WHO tool in worldwide efforts to make communities – including those in Canada – better, healthier and safer places for seniors. In addition, Help the Aged, UK, will present an award to the Canadian Minister of Health, Tony Clement.
Canadian media wishing to develop advance stories on the Government of Canada's involvement in seniors health issues, or those outlets without representation in London, can can contact the officials below for more information on how this announcement will benefit Canadian seniors. For media located in London, the event will take place at:
Time
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Location
Gold Room, Canada House
Trafalgar Square
London, England
Media enquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948 - 7970
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Minister of Health, the Honourable Tony Clement, will deliver a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the National Parks and Recreation Conference and Trade Show.
The Miniser will be available for a photo opportunity and to answer questions from the media.
Date
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Time
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Laryssa Waler
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Monday, September 17, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is sending scientists and their mobile laboratory to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assist in controlling the outbreak of the Ebola virus in that country. The PHAC team will support and work with the World Health Organization's team and the government of DRC.
At a briefing for media, Dr. Frank Plummer, Scientific Director General, National Microbiology Laboratory, will introduce the scientific team being deployed. There will be an opportunity to see the portable lab system and the equipment being sent.
Date
Monday, September 17, 2007
Time
10:00 a.m. CDT
Location
Theatre
Canadian Science Centre for
Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg
For media desiring to participate via teleconference:
Conference ID # 17142938
Dial-in Numbers:
North America: 1-888-265-0464
International and local: 613-954-4096
Media Inquiries:
Kelly Keith
Public
Health Agency of Canada
(204) 792-2023
Elaine Krawchenko
Public Health Agency of Canada
(204) 792-5180
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Friday, September 14, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will speak at the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Public Health Association Annual Meeting, taking place in Ottawa from September 16-19.
Minister Clement will be presenting the Public Health Hero Award to
Heather Crowe, posthumously, for her advocacy work against
second-hand smoke.
Minister Clement will also be making an announcement on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, Gary Lunn.
Date
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Time
7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location
Congress Hall
Ottawa Congress Centre
55 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Patti Robson
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 298-8353
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement and Industry Minister Jim Prentice will participate in the launch of the expansion of a vaccine manufacturing facility that will enhance Canada's capacity to respond to an influenza pandemic.
Date
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Time
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location
GSK Biologicals
2323 Boulevard du parc Technologique
Sainte-Foy, Quebec
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001
Jessica Matteau
Public Health Agency of Canada
(514) 913-0606
August
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - August 3, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada wishes to remind Canadians about the risk of West Nile Virus and the actions they can take to protect themselves. The risk of West Nile Virus is greatest in July, August, and early September.
West Nile Virus activity varies across Canada. Currently, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are reporting higher numbers of human cases than usual for this early in the season. This may be due, in part, to the mild winter, wet spring and hot summer on the prairies, creating ideal conditions for Culex tarsalis, a mosquito that carries West Nile Virus.
Alberta has one reported human case and is also reporting the virus is present in mosquito pools earlier than usual. In Ontario, both birds and mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus, but the province does not have any reported human cases at this time.
West Nile Virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or they have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In a small proportion of cases, less than one percent, the virus can cause severe illness, including meningitis and encephalitis. If you live in an area not known to have had WNV, a mosquito bite poses a relatively low risk, but obviously this risk is higher in areas where WNV has been reported. Anyone who has a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The chances of getting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito are low. While anyone can become infected with West Nile virus, the risk of severe illness increases with age.
Here are some actions that Canadians can take to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile Virus:
- Choose an insect repellent that contains DEET or other approved ingredients, and follow the instructions on the package
- Wear light-coloured clothing, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat to go outside when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light colours
- Get rid of as much standing water as you can from around your home and property.
- Make sure your screens are in good repair and fit tightly
For further information about West Nile Virus, visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or your provincial government or health department web site.
Media Inquiries:
Jean Riverin
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189
June
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - June 3, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will hold a media availability and teleconference today at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) to provide an update on the status of a group of Japanese students who have been detained in Vancouver due to their exposure to measles. After receiving test results and assessing the health status of the students, the PHAC has lifted the detention order and the students will begin to return home.
Location
Vancouver International Airport
Domestic Terminal
4th Floor – Room 4106
Media can also participate in the briefing by calling 1-888-265-0464. The conference code is 3273322.
Media Inquiries:
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 601-7970
May
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Mr. Steven Fletcher, will deliver the keynote address at the launch of World Hypertension Day 2007.
Mr. Fletcher will be available for a photo opportunity and to answer questions from media following his speech.Date
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Time
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location
Rideau Club
99 Bank Street, 15th Floor
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, May 16, 2007
David Sweet, Member of Parliament, (Ancaster - Dundas - Flamborough – Westdale), on behalf of Minister Clement, will make an important announcement regarding a major public health investment.
Date
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Time
11:00 a.m.
Location
Atrium of the Michael G. DeGroote
Centre for Learning and Discovery
McMaster University, Hamilton
Media Inquiries:
Doug Brown
Office of David Sweet, MP
905-627-9169.
April
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will deliver the keynote address at a reception to launch Canada's Child Health Summit. The summit will bring together child health experts, advocates, stakeholders and key influencers in the area of children's health issues from Canada and abroad.
Minister Clement will be available to answer questions from the media.
Date
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Time
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Location
Ottawa Congress Centre
Hall A/B
55 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will deliver remarks and make an announcement at a summit co-hosted by the Lung Association of Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Minister Clement will be available to answer questions from the media.
Date
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Time
7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Location
Ottawa Mariott Hotel
Victoria Ballroom, 2nd Floor
100 Kent Street
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
March
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will speak at the Third Annual Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada Parliamentary Breakfast.
Date
Wednesday, March 22, 2007
Time
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Location
Parliamentary Restaurant
6th Floor, Centre Block
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
February
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will make an announcement relating to the promotion of healthy pregnancy today in Ottawa.
The Minister will be joined by Dr. André Lalonde of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Mary Simon of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Andrea Page of FITMOM Canada.
Minister Clement will be available to answer questions from media after his speech.
Date
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Time
1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Location
Rama Lotus Yoga Centre
3rd Floor Sky Room
340 Gladstone Avenue
Ottawa
Media Inquiries:
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
January
NOTE TO EDITORS - Friday, January 19, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada would like to remind Canadians about the importance of preventing the spread of influenza, viral gastroenteritis and other viral infections during the winter months.
This reminder is the result of some recent media reports, which incorrectly suggested the Agency recommends Canadians stop shaking hands.
These reports do not reflect the Agency's recommendations on preventing the spread of influenza and other viral infections.
The Agency does recommend, however, that people experiencing symptoms of viral gastroenteritis or influenza should limit their physical contacts to avoid spreading illness to co-workers, classmates, neighbours and others.
The Agency also recommends frequent and thorough handwashing, along with other preventative measures, as an effective means to limit the spread of infection.
Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days, but some - including those over 65 and adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer - are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Between 2,000 and 8,000 Canadians die of influenza and its complications annually, with many of these deaths occurring in the November to April period..
A list of preventative measures can be found on the Agency's website at the following links:
Media Inquiries:
Jean Riverin
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Monday, January 8, 2007
In response to a request from the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada is sending five experts, as well as a mobile laboratory, to Kenya to assist in that country's response to an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.
The five experts – ranging from epidemiologists to entomologists – will assist in the outbreak investigation and diagnosis and are expected to remain in Kenya for a three to four week period. The request for assistance came to the Agency through the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
The GOARN is a technical collaboration of existing institutions and networks that pool human and technical resources for the rapid identification, confirmation and response to outbreaks of international importance. The Agency regularly responds to requests for assistance through the GOARN.
According to the WHO, 32 cases and 19 deaths of Rift Valley Fever virus have been reported in the flood-affected areas of Garissa district.
Date
Monday, January 8, 2007
Time
5:30 p.m
Teleconference Number
1-888-265-0464
Access Code: 5994039#
Media Inquiries:
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
NOTICE TO THE MEDIA - Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Health Minister Tony Clement will make an announcement tomorrow at the labs of the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon.
The Minister will be joined by:
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Carol Skelton;
Mr. David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board;
Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and Canada Research Chair in Vaccinology and Biotechnology;
Mr. Peter MacKinnon, President of the University of Saskatchewan; and
Dr. David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
All of the speakers will be available to answer questions from media following the announcement.
Media are invited to take part in a walking tour of the facility prior to the event. Cameras are permitted.
Media are asked to sign-in when they arrive.
Date
Thursday, Janurary 4, 2007
Time
Walking Tour
9:30 a.m.
Arrive early as sign-in is required
News Conference
10:30 a.m.
Location
120 Veterinary Road (Auditorium)
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Media Inquiries:
Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970
Erik Waddell
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
