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Budget a good first step for public health; health promotion support needed
May 19, 2004
Print Version (pdf, 24kb)
The Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) applauds the commitment made by the Ontario Minister of Finance in the 2004 provincial budget to "shift the focus to healthy living, illness prevention and health promotion." The Government's commitment to enhance the public health system's capacity for infectious disease control, increase provincial coverage of public health costs to 75%, and improve home care, mental health and community health services is a step in the right direction.
However, the Association cautions that greater emphasis on health promotion is needed. "Keeping Ontario healthy includes not only infectious disease control but strong health promotion programming in nutrition, school health, physical activity and other areas. This is necessary to address critical problems such as rising rates of obesity and other chronic diseases," says Larry Stinson, OPHA Board Member.
OPHA further supports the Government's recognition that the health of Ontarians is impacted by services and programs delivered through a variety of ministries. The Association repeats a past recommendation to include a public health impact analysis as a mandatory part of every cabinet submission.
Minister Sorbara further referred to the creation of an independent public health agency for Ontario. "An independent agency is crucial for the appropriate management of the public health system, and the OPHA is ready to provide support to ensure its development", says Dr. Peter Wiebe, OPHA President.
The OPHA is a voluntary, charitable association that provides leadership on issues affecting the public's health and represents individuals who are active in public and community health throughout Ontario.
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For further information, contact:
Peter Wiebe, OPHA President: (905) 546-2424 ext. 3787
Garry Aslanyan, OPHA Vice-President: (819) 997-4871 or cell (819) 319-5516
Larry Stinson, OPHA Board Member: (705) 743-1003 ext. 255
Sophie Bart, OPHA Communications Coordinator: (416) 367-3313 ext.237
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