May 1, 2006
For immediate release

News Release

Minister of Health Congratulates Public Health Agency on Winning International Award

OTTAWA - Health Minister Tony Clement today congratulated the Public Health Agency of Canada on winning a prestigious international award for its groundbreaking work on emergency preparedness and seniors.

On May 3, at a ceremony at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth will present the "International Award for 2006" to Margaret Gillis, Director of the Agency's Division of Aging and Seniors, as part of the celebrations in honour of the Queen's 80th birthday.

"The International Award for 2006" is the Living Legends annual award of Help the Aged, a British charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the United Kingdom and overseas from poverty, isolation and neglect.

"I am honoured that Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been recognized as innovators in these areas," said Health Minister Tony Clement. "This award demonstrates the leadership role taken by the Agency domestically and internationally on this important issue. All Canadians can take pride in this acknowledgement of Canadian initiative and public service excellence."

The work being undertaken by the Agency, in collaboration with its international and national partners, will further identify the particular vulnerability of older people and establish best practices in protecting older people in these extreme circumstances. In addition, lessons learned from work with seniors may be applied to other potentially vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities and young children.

"I am pleased to congratulate our key global partner, the Public Health Agency of Canada," stated Dr. Alex Kalache, Chief, Aging and Life Program, World Health Organization (WHO), which participated in this initiative. "The country that champions the ageing cause at the dawn of the 21st century will show vision and leadership in public health globally for years to come. I acknowledge gratefully that as far as WHO stands, Canada is firmly playing such a role."

-30 -

Media Inquiries:

Erik Waddell
Office of Health Minister Tony Clement
(613) 957-0200

Aggie Adamczyk
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189