March 7, 2014
For immediate release
Working with partners across the health and mental health sector to help prevent family violence in Canada
Calgary, Alberta – Today, Minister Ambrose co–hosted a round table with the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre and 12 national healthcare and mental health organizations, seeking advice, guidance and commitment on how best to prevent and respond to family violence and child maltreatment.
Family violence affects us all. While much has been done in recent years to improve the response to family violence, more needs to be done to prevent it from happening in the first place. The impact of family violence is significant and has a lasting impact on the health and mental wellbeing of those who are victimized by it.
The Government of Canada is committed to raising the profile of this issue, to broadening understanding and awareness and to sharing information on those who are at greatest risk.
The goal of the round table is to bring together stakeholders to talk about tangible outcomes and a commitment to deal with child maltreatment and family violence.
Following the round table, Minister Ambrose and Laureen Harper toured the Child Advocacy Centre to meet directly with the front–line employees who are making a difference in the lives of children.
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957–0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957–2983
