February 28, 2007
For immediate release

News Release

Minister Clement launches a National Healthy Pregnancy Campaign

OTTAWA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today launched during a FITMOM Canada class in Ottawa, a five-week national Healthy Pregnancy Campaign to raise awareness of the health considerations for a healthy pregnancy

“Canada's New Government understands that the most important investment we can make as a country is to help families raise their children. That is why we are giving mothers-to-be the knowledge to make healthy choices to ensure that tomorrow's children have a good start in life.” said Minister Clement. “I invite women who are pregnant and those planning to become pregnant to order a copy of the new Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy which offers guidance based on the most current research and scientific evidence.”

Canada's New Government is investing $3 million in this public awareness campaign, which will be displayed in buses, subways, doctor's waiting rooms, restaurants, and on the Internet. The campaign will also display materials designed for First Nations and Inuit, including radio advertisements, posters and a direct-mail brochure.

The new Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy provides information on behaviours that can have a negative impact on a pregnancy, such as poor nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity. It also provides information on folic acid, emotional and oral health, prenatal nutrition and includes a 10-month pregnancy calendar.

“Our northern communities have the highest birthrates in Canada,” commented Martha Greig, President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. “We support this Health Canada initiative to promote healthy pregnancies.”

"The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada support this national initiative by the Government of Canada to promote healthy pregnancies. All efforts to provide Canadian mothers with more information on prenatal care and fitness will lead to healthier pregnancies and healthier
babies," said Dr. André B. Lalonde, Executive Vice-President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

"Women's College Hospital provides expert health information for Canadian women via its website www.womenshealthmatters.ca," said Sheryl Mitchell, Director, Women's Health Partnerships at Women's College Hospital. "My organization is delighted to support the Government of Canada's national Healthy Pregnancy Campaign and the reliable new resource for pregnant women."

The new Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy may be ordered by calling 1 800 O-CANADA or by visiting www.healthycanadians.ca

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Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Carole Saindon
Health Canada
613-957-1588