News Release

1996-57
August 8, 1996

Health Minister David Dingwall and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, open first Canada-U.S.A. Women's Health Forum

OTTAWA - Health Minister David Dingwall and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala today welcomed delegates to the first Canada - U.S.A. Women's Health Forum, saying the two countries are breaking new ground on women's health.

"This Forum is an investment in women's health," Minister Dingwall said. "It is an opportunity to share perspectives on women's health issues, examine programs and policies, raise awareness of women's health as an important public health concern, and explore possible projects on which Canada and the United States can work collaboratively."

The Forum is being co-sponsored by Minister Dingwall and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala. Three-hundred delegates, 150 from each country, are meeting in Ottawa to examine health concerns common to women in both countries such as breast cancer, smoking, stress, violence against women, and health care service delivery.

"Both our countries can learn a great deal from each other to help advance the health of women," Minister Dingwall said. "Canada can benefit from U.S. strengths in areas such as clinical interventions and technology, and the U.S. is interested in Canada's progressive approach to promoting healthy living and reducing risks to health."

"This Forum is about sharing ideas and sharing strength," Secretary Shalala said. "It's about bringing together not just different countries, but different communities -- as non-profit groups, doctors, government officials and other leaders join hands -- to reach our common goal."

The Forum is a concrete follow-up to the recommendations made at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing last year. The Platform for Action recommended a broad approach to women's health, emphasizing the importance of improving the economic, social and cultural situation of women as an important step in improving their health.

"I strongly believe we must give a new emphasis to women's health and recognize that the health concerns of women are different from those of men," Minister Dingwall said.

Mr. Dingwall told the delegates that action on women's health must come from all sectors of society, government, health professionals, researchers and citizens. He said the Forum will help guide the policy-making process on women's health.

Media Inquiries: Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 990-9462

Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991