News Release

1997-16
March 7, 1997

Health Minister marks International Women's Day

OTTAWA - Health Minister David Dingwall today encouraged all Canadians to join him in reflecting on the health of women throughout the world, in honour of International Women's Day, March 8.

Minister Dingwall commented that the federal government has made women's health a priority. "Women have health needs and concerns that are quite distinct from those of men," he said. "The federal government is committed to ensuring that gender is widely understood and used as a fundamental variable in health policy development, research and evaluation."

Over the past year, several important initiatives in women's health have been undertaken by Health Canada. In August 1996, Minister Dingwall and his American counterpart, Health and Social Services Secretary Donna Shalala, co-hosted the Canada- U.S.A. Women's Health Forum at which time they announced a joint Program of Cooperation in the areas of breast cancer, smoking cessation, research and networking. This Program will permit the exchange of information on means to address issues, and explore innovative ways of building on the efforts of the two countries to advance women's health. At the Forum, Minister Dingwall launched an electronic women's health information network.

Earlier in June, the Minister had announced funding for a cross-Canada network of Centres of Excellence on Women's Health. He has also released a new policy which requires that women be included in the clinical trials of all new drugs.

"On International Women's Day, Canadian women can celebrate the fact that this country recognizes the special needs of women in health and in other areas of life, and will continue to work toward improving women's well-being," the Minister said.

Information:
Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

Public Inquiries:
(613)957-2991