Parliamentary health committee recommends decriminalization of simple possession of illicit substances
12 juin 2019
The report cited Donald MacPherson, executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, who said such a policy change would help remove the stigma associated with drug use that often keeps people from seeking help, and Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association, who noted related offences such as property crime and trafficking would remain illegal.
Why pregnant women should get vaccinated, and what to say if they're hesitant
12 juin 2019
Where do people get correct information? I hope you'll send people to the good information on the websites for the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Canadian Public Health Association. Immunize Canada also often has good stuff.
Widespread Praise for Federal Single-Use Plastic Ban
11 juin 2019
The Canadian Public Health Association is among those applauding a ban on single-use plastics.
The association is commending the federal government for taking a bold approach to address the threat to human health posed by the proliferation of single-use plastics in the environment.
Executive director Ian Culbert says plastics pose distinct risks to human health at every stage as they contaminate and accumulate in the food chain, and require fossil fuels during the manufacturing process.
He says alternatives to plastics already exist and support for their…
It’s a long story: The history of birth control in Canada
11 juin 2019
Canadian laws surrounding birth control and a woman’s right to control her own body have undoubtedly evolved over the last century. Many women across the country cling to that as a lifeline as some states south of the border challenge abortion laws.
-With files from the Canadian Public Health Association.
Grassroots movement to address climate crisis
7 juin 2019
In January of 2019, the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) reported that climate change is linked to depression, anxiety and stress disorders in Canada.
Des experts en santé publique recommandent un registre national d'immunisation
3 juin 2019
Au bout du compte, il faudrait que le gouvernement fédéral supervise le programme. "Ottawa n’a pas un dossier reluisant quand il est question de registres nationaux", affirme le directeur général de l’Association canadienne de santé publique (ACSP), Ian Culbert.
Mais il croit quand même que l’établissement d’un registre national doit être une priorité. "Il faut avancer prudemment et s’assurer d’investir de la façon la plus sensée possible."
Santé Canada s’inspire d’ailleurs du travail du Réseau pancanadien de santé publique qui permet le partage d’informations pour les…
How measles outbreak spurred renewed interest in national vaccine registry
3 juin 2019
"The federal government does not necessarily have a stellar track record when it comes to innovation and national registries," said Ian Culbert, the executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association.
Even so, he said the CPHA wants to see the development of a registry to be a priority.
"I think we need to proceed cautiously and make sure that we make solid and sound investments moving forward."
Health Canada points to the work being done under the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network, which helps share information when someone moves to a different…
Uncertainty for clients due to carbon pricing
29 mai 2019
Jennifer King, a partner at Gowling WLG in Toronto and a member of the firm’s environmental law group, represented the Canadian Public Health Association in both the Saskatchewan and Ontario courts of appeal during their respective reference cases on the federal carbon price.
Ontario premier’s unprecedented partisan attack on public health worries health experts
27 mai 2019
“I have no recollection of an attack by a politician of this magnitude on public health officials,” said Ian Culbert, the executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association.
Ford’s comments were made about the council members and public representatives who set public health policy in Toronto but could colour opinion of public health in general, Culbert argued. “For those who take the premier’s messages to heart, they could become dismissive of messages that come out of Toronto Public Health that are really intended to protect and promote their health and wellbeing, the…