News Release
2003-79
October 7, 2003
For immediate release
Minister McLellan welcomes Learning from SARS Report
OTTAWA - Health Minister Anne McLellan today welcomed the release of
'Learning from SARS: Renewal of Public Health in Canada'. Minister McLellan established
the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health on May 6, 2003, to provide the
Government of Canada with an assessment of the lessons learned from the SARS outbreak and
advice on how best to prepare Canada to respond to ongoing and future infectious disease
challenges.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the Chair, Dr. David Naylor,
Dean of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and all the members of his Advisory Committee,
for providing the Government of Canada with this comprehensive report," said Minister McLellan. "The
SARS outbreak has served as an important reminder of our need for a seamless, pan-Canadian
public health system. As such, the Government of Canada will, in partnership with the provinces
and territories, public health community and key international organizations, ensure that
we build a system that can act decisively, quickly and seamlessly, in response to public
threats of all kinds, " continued Minister McLellan.
The National Advisory Committee included public health experts from a variety of health
disciplines and across the country. The Committee received assistance from the U.S. Centre
for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
"The Government of Canada's response will be rapid, responsible and provide the leadership
Canadians want and need" indicated Minister McLellan.
The report of the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health can be
found on the Health Canada website.
Printed copies of the report can also be obtained from Health Canada's Distribution Centre:
PL 0900 C2
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0K9
(613) 954-5995
publications@hc-sc.gc.ca
-30-
Media Inquiries:
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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