The Real Winners of Election 2008: Canadians Who Want Better Lung Health

October 15, 2008

Lung Association congratulates Conservatives on re-election and commitment to lung health, looks forward to working with all parties on advancing respiratory health agenda in Canada

(Ottawa) – The Lung Association today congratulated the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party on their re-election to government. The Association also took the opportunity to extend congratulatory wishes to all federal party leaders and candidates who were elected or re-elected. As well, the Association expressed its desire to work with all Parliamentarians to advance the respiratory health agenda in Canada.“The real winners of the 2008 Election are the millions of people across this country who want Canada to be world-leaders in the fight against lung disease,” said Nora Sobolov, President and CEO of The Lung Association, “Lung health became a priority during this federal election as evidence by the Conservative’s platform and funding commitment to the National Lung Health Framework, as well as pledges of support by the Liberal, New Democratic and Green parties. This support means that we can work together to build a Canada where everyone can breathe easier”.

The National Lung Health Framework is Canada’s first comprehensive plan to combat lung disease.

When fully funded and implemented, the Framework will:

– Position Canada as a global health leader: it is the first-ever health strategy in the world that tackles environment and health;
– Result in reduced health care costs, improved access to care, lower wait times and hospitalizations;
– Address health disparities in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to lower their respective rates of lung disease;
– Result in earlier diagnosis of lung disease, more respiratory health professionals, as well as better tools to treat, prevent and manage lung disease as a means to lowering the cost burden on the health care system.

“Over the course of this Parliament, The Lung Association and its members look forward to working in tandem with the federal government, and all Parliamentarians, to ensure that we make real progress in the fight against lung disease in Canada”, concluded Ms. Sobolov.

For information on the National Lung Health Framework, please visit www.lung.ca/framework.

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.