Accomplishments mark progress made to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
December 22, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada
Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, highlighted the Government’s key accomplishments in protecting the health and safety of Canadians in 2014.
Most notably, the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa’s Law) passed through Parliament. With this law, Canadians will be better informed about medications they are prescribed, and the Government will be empowered to recall unsafe products from the market. Vanessa’s Law introduces the most profound and important changes to the Food and Drugs Act that have been made since it was introduced more than 50 years ago.
Also of significant importance, the Public Health Agency of Canada has been working with all levels of government to stop the spread of the Ebola virus to Canada. Preventing further transmission of the Ebola virus is essential to controlling the current outbreak. Canada is making every possible effort to improve current safety measures. This includes:
To date, the Government of Canada has contributed over $110 million at home and abroad to help combat Ebola in West Africa.
This year also saw the launch of Health Canada’s Regulatory Transparency and Openness Framework and Action Plan. With this focus on openness and transparency about regulatory decision-making,
Health Canada has begun regularly posting practical, understandable summaries of drug product safety reviews. In addition to the annual inspection summary report that is already posted under the Transparency Framework, we are now publishing more detailed inspection information on domestic companies and facilities, including inspection dates, license status, types of risks observed and measures taken by Health Canada.
The Minister of Health also launched the Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation, chaired by Dr. David Naylor. The Panel has been asked to identify promising areas of innovation within the healthcare system and to advise on how the federal government can better support those ideas.
Minister Ambrose also took a moment to highlight some of the other notable achievements that have taken place across the Health Portfolio over the past year including:
Healthy Living
Protecting Canadians
Cutting-Edge Research
- Expanding Canada's capacity to combat a range of established and emerging infectious diseases by opening a world class infectious disease research hub;
- Making important and significant investments in health research under the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), such as launching the Manitoba SUPPORT Unit, the Newfoundland and Labrador SUPPORT Unit, and the Network in Adolescent and Youth Mental Health; investing in sarcoma cancer research and maternal and child health, and supporting Stand Up to Cancer Canada;
- Delivering on global dementia research commitments in announcing 32 Brain Research Projects;
- Releasing Mapping Connections: An Understanding of Neurological Conditions in Canada, which presents the findings from the most comprehensive study of neurological conditions ever to be conducted in Canada;
- Releasing the National Dementia Research and Prevention Plan, a publication outlining the Government of Canada's investments, partnerships and key initiatives related to dementia research and prevention to improve the standards of care and reduce the burden on families dealing with dementia;
- Announcing the intention to work with the Alzheimer Society of Canada to bring "Dementia Friends" to Canada in the coming year. Dementia Friends will help Canadians become better informed about how they can support people living with dementia in their communities;
- Investing, along with the True Patriot Love Foundation, in the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research aimed at improving research capacity devoted to the health and wellness of Canadian Forces personnel, Veterans, and their families.
Quotes
“The end of a calendar year allows us each a unique opportunity – while surrounded by family and friends over the holidays - to reflect on our recent accomplishments. As Minister of Health, and with the dedicated and talented members of the Health Portfolio, I know that we’ve accomplished a great deal in making Canada, and the world, a healthier and safer place this year. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe 2015 and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next 12 months.”
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Related Products
Minister's Video Message: Year in Review
Minister's Video Message: Vanessa's Law
Minister's Video Message: Healthy Living
Minister's Video Message: Protecting Canadians
Minister's Video Message: Innovation and Research
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