September 24, 2004 For immediate release WINNIPEG -- Delivering on a commitment to help protect the health and safety of Canadians, Prime Minister Paul Martin today launched the new Public Health Agency of Canada and announced the appointment of the country's first-ever Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO). Dr. David Butler-Jones, based in Winnipeg, will head the Agency, providing leadership in the government's efforts to keep Canadians healthy and ensuring Canada is prepared in the event another serious infectious disease hits our shores. "Today's announcement is another step in ensuring we have the best possible system for ensuring the health and safety of Canadians. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer must demonstrate clear leadership, not only in times of emergency, but also in helping Canadians stay healthy and out of the hospital," said Prime Minister Martin. "Dr. Butler-Jones has the qualities and expertise to launch our Public Health Agency and to make it a success." At the recent First Ministers' Meeting, the Prime Minister and the Premiers signed a 10-year action plan that will lead to better health care for all Canadians. Improving the public health system in Canada is key to ensuring the sustainability of the health care system. The creation of the Public Health Agency reinforces the commitments the First Ministers made in the 10- year plan. "The Public Health Agency is an integral part of our government's plan to protect and enhance the health of Canadians," said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. "The fact that this announcement comes so soon after striking the 10 year health care accord is another sign of the high priority that the Prime Minister and the government attach to health care reform. I am delighted that a person of Dr. Butler-Jones's quality and experience has agreed to serve as the CPHO." Dr. David Butler-Jones brings to the position an extensive background in public health. He has most recently served as the Medical Health Officer for Sun Country Health Region and Consulting Medical Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region in Saskatchewan. From 1995 to 2002, he was the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Saskatchewan. Dr. Butler-Jones was a member of the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health chaired by Dr. David Naylor. The creation of the Agency and this appointment of a Chief Public Health Officer were key recommendations found in the Committee's report, Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada. "I am pleased and proud to accept this appointment and look forward to working closely with the Minister of Health, the Minister of State for Public Health and the Medical Officers of Health from every province and territory to design an effective, coordinated public health system that serves our citizens. By coordinating our efforts, we will have a much greater impact on the health status of Canadians," said Dr. Butler-Jones. Focussed on more effective efforts to prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, prevent injuries and respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, the Public Health Agency of Canada will work closely with the provinces and territories to keep Canadians healthy and help reduce pressures on the health care system. Minister of State Dr. Carolyn Bennett emphasized the importance of this broad mandate. "We know from experience that we have to be prepared to respond to new public health threats. At the same time, over two-thirds of all deaths in Canada result from four types of chronic diseases. By targeting the causes of these diseases, we can greatly improve the health of Canadians and help to reduce the demand on the health care system," she said. The Agency will have offices, management, staff and expertise all across Canada and will work with a network of specialized centres across the country to address specific public health issues in Canada. Winnipeg, the location of Canada's only Level 4 microbiology lab for human health, will become the home of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID) and it is expected to be a world leader in research, training, commercialization and innovation in addressing the threat and impacts of infectious diseases. "I am pleased that the base of research expertise in Manitoba will contribute to the growing network of knowledge nationally and internationally and frame positive improvements in our public health system," said the President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Reg Alcock. Through Budget 2004, the Government of Canada committed $665 million in initial funding to strengthen Canada's public health system. This includes $100 million for increased front-line public health capacity, $300 million to support new vaccine programs and $100 million for improved surveillance systems. Funding of $165 million over two years was also committed for other federal public health initiatives, such as strengthening preparedness against infectious diseases, creating emergency response teams, replenishing the national emergency stockpile system, investing in federal laboratories and surveillance systems and establishing the six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health. Funding for the Agency also includes the $404 million budget being transferred from the Population and Public Health Branch of Health Canada which forms the backbone of the Agency. - 30 - Media Inquiries: Kelly Keith Health Canada (204) 789-5028 Adèle Blanchard Office of the Minister of Health (613) 957-0200 Suzanne Cowan Office of the Minister of State (Public Health) (613) 941-8081 Lise Jolicoeur Office of the Honourable Reg Alcock (613) 868-0773 PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555
