May 31, 20006
Ottawa -- On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Health Minister Tony Clement today announced that the Government of Canada will contribute more than $89,000 to develop a video documentary on the story of the late Heather Crowe.
Just over a week ago, Heather Crowe passed away at the age of 61. In 2002, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although she was a non-smoker, Heather worked as a waitress for 40 years in smoke-filled restaurants. A strong and influential figure, she told her story in nation-wide campaigns, putting a face on the 1,000 Canadians each year who die as a result of their exposure to second-hand smoke.
"Earlier this month, I had the honour of meeting Heather and I was personally very touched by her perseverance and dedication," said Minister Clement. "Her legacy is one that should never be forgotten."
The video documentary, to be produced by Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, will feature Heather's legacy and her personal campaign to change legislation in Canada to protect the public from second-hand smoke. The documentary will be supported by an education booklet and two public service announcements.
"Heather Crowe's odyssey to create smoke-free workplaces across Canada has been nothing short of dramatic. This funding will help us tell Heather's inspiring story through film,"said Dr. Atul Kapur, President of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada. "We are confident that the documentary will honour Heather and ensure that generations to come will know of her work to protect Canadians from the dangers of second-hand smoke."
For more information on second-hand smoke, Canadians are invited to visit:
www.GoSmokefree.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
For more information on World No Tobacco Day, please visit the World Health Organization's web site
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Media Inquiries
Carolyn Sexauer
Health Canada
(613) 948-4629
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
