News Release

2006-100
October 16, 2006
For immediate release

Health Minister Appoints New Members to the Pest Management Advisory Council

OTTAWA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today announced the appointment of Peter MacLeod and Dr. Robert Whiting to the Pest Management Advisory Council (PMAC) for two-year terms. In addition, Ambrose Hearn and Derek Daws were re-appointed for a second two-year term.

"PMAC continues to be a vital part of the strong pesticide regulatory system in Canada," said Minister Clement. "The valued expertise of each new and returning member will contribute to Health Canada's continued efforts of ensuring that the views of all stakeholder sectors are considered when developing pesticide regulatory programs and policies."

Peter MacLeod is currently the Executive Director of Crop Protection Chemistry at CropLife Canada. He is an active member of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's (PMRA) stakeholder community and is recognized as a leading expert in pesticide regulatory affairs. Mr. Macleod's extensive background in provincial and federal regulatory systems allows him to provide strategic advice to businesses and governments on science and regulatory issues.

Dr. Robert Whiting, Ph.D., from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, brings expertise in the protection of worker's health and safety and an extensive background in material hazards and chemical database development. He has also written numerous chemical safety publications.

Ambrose Hearn is being re-appointed as Chair of PMAC. During his first term as Chair, Mr. Hearn gained the respect of the Council with his excellent leadership skills. He has a wealth of experience in leading health organizations at the institutional, provincial and national levels. Mr. Hearn is also past President and CEO of the Victorian Order of Nurses (1999-2003) and the Ottawa Civic Hospital (1993-1998).

Derek Daws is the Managing Director at the British Columbia Poison Control Center. Mr. Daws has extensive experience in managing Adverse Drug Reaction Centres and Drug and Poison Information Centers, as well as a strong pharmaceutical background. He is well positioned to provide input to the ongoing development of incident reporting mechanisms for pesticides and other interests of the health sector.

Minister Clement also thanked Anne Gravereaux of Hamilton, Ontario for her dedicated service to the Council from 1998-2006 and acknowledged her resignation.

"With the recent coming into force of the new Pest Control Products Act last June, I am pleased to confirm that our work to increase the transparency and openness of the pesticide regulatory system is advancing," added Minister Clement. "I will continue to be dedicated to Canada's efforts in pesticide regulation aimed at protecting children's health and our environment. PMAC members play an important role representing all Canadians' interest in these efforts."

Of special note, last June, PMAC members felt it beneficial to invite Dr. Mark Goldberg from the Health Canada Science Advisory Board to participate as a standing member of the Council. Dr. Goldberg is an occupational and environmental epidemiologist who is currently an associate professor at McGill University in the Department of Medicine. He is also an associate member in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the Department of Occupational Health, the Department of Oncology, and the McGill School of Environment. Dr. Goldberg's expertise and ties to the Science Advisory Board will help strengthen the relationship with PMAC.

Established in 1998, PMAC is a multi-stakeholder group that fosters communication and dialogue among stakeholders and with Health Canada's PMRA. The Council provides advice directly to the Minister of Health on policies and issues relating to the federal pest management regulatory system.

For more information on PMAC and PMRA please visit the PMRA Web site.

-30-

Media Enquiries:
PMRA Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 736-3500

Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709