The Public Health Agency of Canada moves Forward

WINNIPEG, October 21, 2005 – The Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board , on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced that the Government of Canada has taken an important step forward in the development of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has begun the process to find office space to accommodate employees of the new agency. On October 22, PWGSC will issue a request for information on possible accommodation in the core of the City of Winnipeg.

On May 18, 2004, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the new Public Health Agency of Canada and later, on September 24, 2004, announced the appointment of the country’s first-ever Chief Public Health Officer.

“Locating the second pillar of Public Health Agency of Canada in Winnipeg was in large part recognition of the extraordinary concentration of human capital and physical assets in biomedicine and public health already found in our city,” said Minister Alcock. “Today’s announcement not only ensures that the Agency employees have the facilities they need to carry out their incredibly important mandate, it also builds upon our wider strategy of making Manitoba a world-leader in health research, development and innovation.”

Focused on more effective efforts to prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, prevent injuries and respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, the Public Health Agency of Canada will work closely with the provinces and territories to keep Canadians healthy.

“The Public Health Agency is an integral part of our government’s plan to protect and enhance the health of Canadians,” said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. “It is yet another sign of the high priority that the Government of Canada attaches to health care reform.”

The Agency will have offices, management staff and expertise all across Canada and will work with a network of specialized centres across the country to address specific public health issues in Canada. Winnipeg, Canada’s only Level 4 microbiology lab for human health, will become the home of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases and headquarters for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“The creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada marks the beginning of a new approach to federal leadership and collaboration with provinces and territories on efforts to renew the public health system in Canada and support a sustainable health care system,” said the Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health).

The RFI will appear in local papers between October 22 and October 26; it can also be viewed on MERX, the Government of Canada’s on-line tendering system at www.merx.com, project number 417983. The RFI closes at 2:00 p.m., November 8, 2005.

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Information:

Lise Jolicoeur
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
and Minister responsible for the Canadian
Wheat Board
(613) 957-2666

Media Relations Unit
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 956-2315