CPHA welcomes newly sworn-in Liberal government
November 5, 2015 (OTTAWA) – The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) welcomes the new Liberal government as a future collaborator in the advancement in the health and well-being of Canadians.
“As an organization committed to developing evidence-informed public health policy alternatives, CPHA is encouraged by positions put forth by the Liberal Party of Canada during the recent election,” said Ardene Robinson Vollman, Chair of CPHA’s Board of Directors. “CPHA looks forward to working collaboratively with incumbent Health Minister Jane Philpott and other elected Members of Parliament to advance key public health priorities.”
The Liberal Party of Canada’s election campaign made strong statements in defence of public health and the use of evidence in policy-making. CPHA encourages the 42nd Parliament of Canada to follow through with these commitments, in particular:
- Reinstating the long-form census in time for the 2016 Canadian census;
- Repealing the changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act enacted through the Respect for Communities Act and introducing amendments that are consistent with the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on supervised injection facilities;
- Addressing the impact of climate change and protecting environmental health;
- Implementing cannabis policy reform;
- Replacing Canada’s new law on sex work; and
- Implementing plain paper packaging for tobacco products.
“Public health remains an important issue for Canadians” says Ian Culbert, CPHA’s Executive Director. “As CPHA is the independent voice for public health in Canada with links to both national and international communities, we are willing to assist the incumbent government in any positive and constructive ways possible.”