Minister acknowledges Canada Health Day

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, joins with health professionals across the province in acknowledging May 12 as Canada Health Day. The event is co-sponsored by the Canadian Public Health Association and the Canadian Health Care Association. This year�s theme, Together for a Healthy Environment, points to the important role that environment plays in our health.

"I would like to recognize the importance of promoting a healthy environment for the benefit of all residents of this province," said Minister Smith. "So much of what happens around us can have a significant impact on our health and well-being and it is in our best interest to be aware of, and take control of, the environmental factors which may impact upon future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Celebrated each year on the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, Canada Health Day provides a focus for celebrating the partnerships that exist between consumers and health care facilities and agencies in communities across the country.

"Canada's health care system is currently undergoing a process of renewal which calls for new partnerships among providers of health care and the community," said Minister Smith. "Canada Health Day encourages a sense of partnership between consumers, health agencies and governments to meet the challenges of the 21st century together."

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2002 05 10                            12:05 p.m.