News Release
2007-107
August 24, 2007
For immediate release
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, was presented today with a certificate by Senator the Honourable Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tony Abbott, Australian Minister of Health and Ageing, in recognition of Canada's expertise in the assessment of new chemical substances. The recognition comes as the Ministers continue the Canada - Australia Policy Dialogue on health issues.
“I'm very pleased to accept this certificate from the Australian Government, which recognizes Canada as a world leader in regulating chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment,” said Minister Clement. “I was proud to join the Prime Minister of Canada last year to announce our Chemicals Management Plan, and our work is already underway to assess and regulate chemicals that are used in thousands of industrial and consumer products.”
The Ministers will also issue a Statement of Intent to explore cooperation between Australia and Canada on risk assessment and management of existing chemicals.
"The ongoing relationship between Australia and Canada continues to grow,” said Senator Mason. “We can benefit from Canada's world-leading Chemicals Management Plan, which assesses and regulates chemicals used in thousands of industrial and consumer products. I'm looking forward to exploring further collaboration and cooperation with Canada.”
In Canada, the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, echoed the sentiments. “The Canada-Australia Arrangement has proven to be very beneficial for both countries,” said Minister Baird. “Protecting our environment and the health of our citizens is a responsibility both our Governments take very seriously. We look forward to continuing our collaboration for the benefit of all Canadians and Australians.”
New collaborative efforts for assessing and managing existing chemicals will build on ongoing cooperation between Australia and Canada on new chemicals, and is in line with international efforts for countries to share and learn from each others' expertise in managing chemicals. Cooperation is leading to greater efficiencies in the review and assessment of chemical substances, which benefits citizens and industry in both countries.
Earlier this week, Minister Clement met with Minister Abbott. This is the first time the Ministers have met since signing the Letter of Intent to begin the Canada-Australia Policy Dialogue in June 2007. The agreement outlines mutual work the two countries plan to undertake in the next four years in key areas such as access to health care, cancer strategies, and health and the environment. The recognition of Canada's expertise in new chemicals assessment is a key component of the health and environment theme of the Policy Dialogue.
Minister Clement will visit several sites related to the Policy Dialogue's three themes. He will visit cancer treatment centres, hospitals showcasing innovative access-to-care strategies, and health research institutes. He will also speak to the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce, and visit the site of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, a group which travels by air to provide emergency and primary health care services to people who live and work in regional and remote Australia.
"This is an ideal partnership, given how our two countries are facing similar challenges,” said Minister Clement. “We share a commitment to deliver universal health care, together with our provincial and territorial partners. And we both want to provide better chemical safety information for our citizens. This agreement allows us to work together to share effective solutions as we meet these challenges.”
Other members of the Canadian delegation include Jeffrey Lozon, chair of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer; Nora Sobolov, President and CEO, The Canadian Lung Association; and Dr. Kellie Leitch, Advisor to the Minister on Healthy Children and Youth.
Honourable Health Minister Tony Clement and Senator the Honourable Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tony Abbott, Australian Minister of Health and Ageing
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