May 2010 - Our Voice in Action

OPHA's Recent Advocacy Activities

OPHA advocates for Random Breath Testing

OPHA supported the Alcohol Workgroup in its advocacy to the Department of Justice to introduce Random Breath Testing (RBT) – one of the recent initiatives to address impaired driving RBT - has the strongest impact on reducing death and injury.


OPHA voices its opinion to Premier McGuinty regarding the Health and Physical Education Curriculum Grade 1 – 8

OPHA expressed its concern about the withdrawal of the recently released Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum for Grades 1 – 8 that resulted from the special interest lobby about the Human Development and Sexual Health portion of the Curriculum. We are pleased to learn that the other three sections of the Curriculum are moving forward for implementation in the fall of 2010.


OPHA speaks out for stronger regulations for the Toxic Reduction Act

The Canadian Cancer Society's Take Charge on Toxics campaign, of which OPHA is a member, has finalized its recommendations regarding the proposed regulations, EBR 010-9349 for the Toxics Reduction Act. Take Charge on Toxics recommends that Toxic Substance Reduction Planners be certified to the highest standard and that employees have input to the toxic use reduction plans through their joint health and safety committees.


OPHA’s Built Environment Workgroup comments on the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005

Ontario faces many land use planning challenges in how future growth and development in the Province can be carried out. In order to create healthy and sustainable communities, OPHA’s Built Environment Working Group has reviewed the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 and provided the Ministry of Health Promotion with some initial high level comments [PDF].


LGBTTTIQQ Equity Workgroup hosts a "Positive Space is a Healthy Place" workshop in London

On April 23, 2010 the OPHA LGBTTTIQQ Equity Workgroup, along with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, hosted a “Positive Space is a Healthy Place” workshop in London. There were over 40 people in attendance from all areas of Ontario. Participants included teachers, nurses, and individuals from various social service agencies. It was an interactive workshop and the workgroup was pleased to have Marcus Logan as their speaker.

Over the course of the day discussions were held on language as it relates to sexual orientation and gender identity as well as activities to raise awareness of what it may be like for individuals who identify as LGBT especially as it relates to available supports including family, friends and community.

The afternoon focused on self and workplace assessments. The assessments allowed individuals to look at potential areas for change. The last part of the workshop involved moving forward – what could you do to affect change immediately, what could you do with more education, and what could you do with workplace support.

Feedback from participants indicated that the event was worthwhile and that although some of them did not feel prepared to host positive training at their workplace, they did have access to resources and contact people to help them.

Overall the workshop was a resounding success and there have been requests from other areas of the province to offer Positive Space training in the future.