News Release

2005-37
May 9, 2005
For immediate release

Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announces location of new Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada

OTTAWA - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced that Vancouver will be the location of the future head office of the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada. The Agency will be established in January 2006 under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which became law March 29, 2004. It will regulate assisted human reproduction activities in Canada and foster the application of ethical principles in relation to assisted human reproduction.

"The Agency will be instrumental in protecting the health, safety, dignity and rights of Canadians using assisted human reproduction," said Minister Dosanjh. "Vancouver is an ideal location because of its critical mass of health research and service organizations, universities and medical schools that can support the Agency and it is one of the main urban centres for assisted human reproduction in Canada. This decision is consistent with our Government's intention to place more federal institutions outside the National Capital Region."

The new Agency will report to the federal Minister of Health through a board of directors. The board will consist of up to 13 members, which are Governor in Council appointments. All board members, including the Chairperson, are part- time, except for a full-time President/Chief Executive Officer. The board will be supported by approximately 40 public servants and a budget of $10 million per year.

When it becomes operational, the Agency's responsibilities will include the licensing of persons undertaking activities such as in vitro fertilization and research involving the in vitro human embryo, inspection of clinics and research laboratories, collection and analysis of health reporting information and provision of advice to the Minister on assisted human reproduction-related issues.

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Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988

Adèle Blanchard
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

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