News Release

1996-16
February 19, 1996

Canada-U.S.A. Women's Health Forum rescheduled

Ottawa - Health Minister David Dingwall announced today that he and Donna Shalala, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, have agreed to reschedule the Canada-U.S.A. Women's Health Forum to August 8-10, 1996, in Ottawa. The rescheduling provides additional time for American officials to complete their preparations for the Forum which were delayed by the recent budget impasse in the U.S. The Forum was originally planned for March 18- 20, 1996.

"I am committed to the opportunity this bi-national Forum presents to raise awareness of women's health issues, identify common interests and to advance women's health," Minister Dingwall said. "The Forum is one of a number of initiatives which comprise the government's long-term women's health strategy."

Secretary Shalala said, "I look forward to this joint U.S.- Canada initiative as a means to stimulate and foster greater commitment to women's health in both our countries."

Each country will be represented at the Women's Health Forum by approximately 150 invited delegates representing a broad spectrum of interests and expertise. Participants will include public policy-makers, health professionals, researchers and academics, leaders of women's organizations, community health service providers and health consumers.

A joint Canada-U.S.A. planning committee has developed an agenda which includes 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; health services and research focusing on women's health concerns as well as the social, cultural and economic factors, including gender, that influence women's health.

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

Mary Jane Green
Canada/U.S.A. Women's Health Forum
(613) 952-0795
E-mail address: wh_forum@isdtcp3.hwc.ca