Media advisory – Release of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan

OTTAWA, Feb. 20 – On Tuesday February 24th, Dr. Eldon R. Smith, Chair of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee, will unveil Canada’s first comprehensive Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan. The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, federal Minister of Health, will also participate in the event. <>

Background

The Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan grew out of a 2005 Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons proposed by Member of Parliament Steven Fletcher. In 2006, the Government of Canada announced $2.5 million in funding for the development of the Strategy. The two-year process, led by a 29-member Steering Committee and with the assistance of over 100 experts, included the review and analysis of existing research and review of best practices. More than 1500 stakeholders from across Canada and internationally were consulted including individuals from diverse fields including citizens, health care providers, aboriginal leaders, and the business community.

For further information: or to register for the conference call and/or webcast (for reporters outside Ottawa), please contact: Marie-France MacKinnon, Bluesky Strategy Group, (613) 241-3512 ext. 229, Cell: (613) 853-3940, marie.france@blueskystrategygroup.com; Lisa Crawford, Bluesky Strategy Group, (613) 241-3512 x224, cell. (613) 218-2481, lisa@blueskystrategygroup.com