News Release
1997-67
December 9, 1997
Health Minister announces members of Science Advisory Board
OTTAWA -- Health Minister Allan Rock today announced the members and terms of reference for the Science Advisory Board that he has established to provide him with advice on future directions for Health Canada's health protection program.
"I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Roberta Bondar has agreed to chair the new Science Advisory Board," said Minister Rock. "Under her leadership, we will have a number of world renowned scientists that will tell me whether we have the proper science capacity to ensure the health and safety of Canadians." The Board, which was announced in September 1997, will be composed of members representing scientists, consumers, health professionals and other perspectives.
The terms of reference for the Board, whose members will serve on a voluntary basis, outline responsibilities which include:
- Advising on ongoing measures required to ensure HPB science retains the confidence of the public;
- Reviewing and advising on the scientific and technical adequacy of Health Protection Branch (HPB) programs, procedures, methodologies, protocols and tests;
- Recommending, as appropriate, new or revised criteria or standards for setting priorities for public health issues and programs.
The establishment of the Board reaffirms Mr. Rock's commitment to have an arm's length body to provide advice on a review of all Health Canada health protection programs from food and drug safety to environmental health risks and the department's surveillance and regulatory capacity. The three year review was launched to help the department meet the changing world of health protection as a result of the emergence of new diseases and the re-emergence of old diseases, faster rates of disease transmission because of international travel, the effects of globalization on standard setting, and the development of new technologies.
"The bottom line is the health and safety of Canadians," said the Minister. "I believe we need the widest possible range of advice as the department reviews its existing programs to ensure that Canadians will be well served as we move into the next century."
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Media Inquiries:
Derek Kent
Minister's Office
(613)957-1515
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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