News Release

1995-75
November 12, 1995

Canada-United States jointly sponsor forum on women's health

OTTAWA - Health Minister Diane Marleau announced today that she and Donna Shalala, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, will co-sponsor a forum on women's health from March 18 - 20, 1996 in Ottawa. Madame Marleau made the announcement at the 2nd Canadian Conference on International Health in Ottawa.

"While our two countries have different health systems, many of the issues that affect women are common to both countries," the Minister said. "The Forum will be an opportunity for Canadians and Americans to share information on key women's health issues, to learn from each other and identify areas of common interest where joint initiatives could be considered."

Secretary Shalala said: "The United States also looks forward to working with Canada on implementing the Platform for Action adopted in China. I was at the Beijing conference and saw firsthand how crucial it is for women to come together to share ideas on improving their health. This forum will be a big step in that process".

Approximately 300 delegates representing a broad spectrum of interests and expertise will be invited to attend the Women's Health Forum. The participants will include public policy-makers, health professionals, researchers and academics, leaders of women's organizations, community health service providers, and health consumers. Minister Marleau and Secretary Shalala will also participate in the proceedings.

A joint planning committee of representatives from both governments is developing the agenda which will include both expert panel discussions and workshops. Some of the topics to be addressed include the evolution of advocacy for women's health; women's health issues across the lifespan, from childhood to old age; health aspects of violence against women; environmental and occupational health issues affecting women; and research focusing on women's health concerns. The Women's Health Forum will concentrate on how bio- medical aspects and social, cultural and economic factors, including gender, influence women's health.

Both countries will prepare background papers and appoint facilitators for each of the workshops so that participants will have an opportunity to learn more about women's health issues outside their own country and share information about successful programs and approaches in their respective countries.

Information about the Women's Health Forum can be obtained by calling the Canada-U.S.A. Women's Health Forum Secretariat (613) 952-0795.

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

Gayle Morris
Special Assistant Communications
Minister's Office
(613)957-0200