News Release

1995-82
December 3, 1995

Minister Marleau praises President Mandela

OTTAWA - Health Minister Diane Marleau paid tribute today to President Nelson Mandela for placing health and women's issues high on South Africa's agenda as she responded to Deputy President Tabo Mbeki's address at the opening ceremony of the Eleventh Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Cape Town.

Madame Marleau was selected to respond on behalf of member nations. Minister Marleau emphasized the importance Canada places on the Commonwealth and likened it to a family that works together to promote the health of its citizens.

Minister Marleau reiterated the priority she places on women's health and spoke of the challenge governments throughout the world face in addressing women's health needs comprehensively and appropriately. "To achieve good health among girls and women, we must make changes in both our health systems and our social environments," the Minister said. "If the challenges confronting all the health systems of the Commonwealth are great, this meeting shows that the will to overcome them is even greater," she added.

The Commonwealth Health Minister's meeting is being held in South Africa for the first time and has attracted approximately 40 delegations from the 52 member countries.

On Tuesday, December 5, Madame Marleau will visit a children's rehabilitation project called Philani in Somerset West, a project which was funded by the Government of Canada.

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