November 6, 2013
For immediate release
Fact Sheet: Injury Prevention
Montreal – Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health delivered a keynote address at the Canadian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Conference, where she spoke to researchers, stakeholders and professionals involved in injury prevention and safety promotion from across Canada.
“Injuries are far more common than people think. Although often considered 'accidents', the vast majority of injuries result from events that are both predictable and preventable,” said Minister Ambrose. “Our Government has already begun working with key organizations towards injury prevention and we will continue to build new partnerships, to raise awareness about injury prevention and to give Canadians the tools they need to live safer, healthier lives.”
Parachute and the Canadian Red Cross co-hosted the conference where the theme was Evidence to Action: Prevent Injury and Violence Now! topromote and bring together the key partners involved in reducing intentional and unintentional injuries in Canada.
"Beyond the financial cost, the emotional impact of preventable injury is devastating to families, friends and communities." said Louise Logan, President and CEO of Parachute. "By working together, we can bring about the change that will prevent injuries and save lives."
“Injury prevention spans a wide range of activities, from teaching first aid and swimming to bullying prevention education,” said Leslie Dunning, Director General, Violence and Abuse Prevention, Canadian Red Cross. “Injury prevention is diverse and our best chance at success is through collaboration.”
“We all have a role to play in addressing this complex issue. No one group can solve it alone,” said Minister Ambrose. “Whether it is an injury from hockey, to a senior falling, to violence in the home — injuries can be prevented.”
More information
Burden of Injury (PDF Document, 344KB)
Text Equivalent