News Release
2003-42
June 09, 2003
For immediate release
Minister announces public consultations on a proposal for a new Canada Health Protection
Act
EDMONTON - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, today announced
that Health Canada will launch public consultations on the elements of a proposed new Canada
Health Protection Act. The proposed new Act would replace four existing statutes: the Food
and Drugs Act, the Hazardous Products Act, the Quarantine Act and the Radiation Emitting
Devices Act.
These statutes were adopted over many decades, each to address specific issues. The objective
of this initiative, which was announced in last fall's Speech From the Throne, is to strengthen
and improve current federal health protection laws, integrating them into a comprehensive
regime to better protect the health and safety of Canadians.
"One of government's most important responsibilities is to ensure an effective and responsive
health protection system is in place to protect citizens," said Minister McLellan. "Canadians
have a right to expect that their food is safe to eat, that their drugs are effective and
safe, that household products they use are safe, and that there are strong measures to
protect them from new and re-emerging communicable diseases."
These consultations will give Canadians the opportunity to participate in discussions
on legislative renewal proposals before a new Bill is drafted.
"Public consultation is a cornerstone of ensuring that federal health protection programs
deserve public confidence," said the Minister. "This important initiative goes to the core
of Health Canada's responsibilities. I invite everyone to take part in this review."
This is the second phase of public consultation on health protection legislation. In the
fall of 1998, national consultations were held to identify issues that the new legislation
should address. This second round will begin in fall 2003 and will seek the views of Canadians
on a detailed proposal for a new Canada Health Protection Act.
This second round of national consultations will be based on two documents released today: Health
and Safety First and Health Protection Legislative Renewal - A Detailed Proposal.
These papers, as well as information on how to participate in the public consultations
can be found at http://renewal.hc-sc.gc.ca or by calling 1-888-288-2098.
-30-
Media Inquiries:
Tara Madigan
Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
|
