Subject: for Micheline
From: Madeline Boscoe
To:
Hi there sorry for my lack of french I hope this is ok. This message is for Micheline Lambert or others interested in the breast implant issue and the Health Protection Branch. Lori Dobson suggested I contact you I ran a support group in Winnipeg for many years I work at a feminist health centre there. I am working with DES action and others to develop a "Women and the Health Protection Branch Working Group see the memo below for more information. I have tried to get a hold of Martine Lavallee from option-consommateurs they were my Quebec contact for organizing on this issue but with no avail. Are you or are you aware of others who might want to get involved in this review? and participate in the organizing process.
The next issue of the Canadian Women's Health Network will feature this issue. We are busily producing a mailing list for a complimentary copy it is bilingual. please send us any names that you think might be interested in thanks and I hope you will have time to get back to me.
Madeline
MEMO:
To: Linda Wilson, Lori Dobson, Martine Lavallee, Robert Guidoin, USSW and other folks concerned in Breast Implants issues
Hi there; I just wanted to alert everyone regarding the Health Protection Branch's plans regarding the renewal of the federal health protection legislation with a consultation process beginnign this fall.(HPB) It is identified as an opportunity to discuss Health Canada's revised risk managment framework and the framework for public involvement in the decision making process.
HBP have a consultation paper available (along with info on workshops) It's called "Shared Responsibilies: Shared Vision" Renewing the Federal Health Protection Legislation" . It also invites a wide variety of input particularly from the public. (who by in large think don't know they exist other than a great deal of misinformation re: herbal products) Workshop Sessions are being held (Halifax Sept 9-10th) (Winnipeg Sept 24-25) (Vancouver Sept 29-30) (Ottawa Oct 14-15th) (Montreal Oct 22-23) and (Toronto Oct 28-29th) You can order from 888-288-2098 or its on line at
This consultation lists many items for discussion from "risk assessment" to access to third party information, advertising, emerging hazards, novel foods, environment, collec tion of personal information, regulation of therapeutic products (medical devices and drugs), liability, herbal products, communicable disease managment etc. Not only do these areas deal with consumer safety but there a signficant implications re: the growth of commercial medicine.
Please feel free to pass this message on. I would also appreciate names of others that should be contacted and their email addresses especially.
DES Action Canada with Joel Lexchin and few others are starting to network regarding building a coaltion with a shared analysis and ideas for going forward. Barbara Mintzes and Harriet Simand have set up an online discussion group to help this process to which I would like to invite you to participate.
I think the Breast Implant experience is a very very important one to bring forward given all our frustrations with the HPB.I hope you can get a hold of the discussion papers and get involved. Even
if you cann't get invited to the consultations I believe there will be other opportunities for input.
Thanks. I look forward to hearing from you,
All the best, Madeline Boscoe,
PS :
The Canadian Women's Health Network newsletter will be doing a feature on the Health Protection Branches plans in the next issue. Please contact us to get a copy.
It will eventually be on the website as well.
Madeline Boscoe
Women's Health Clinic
3rd floor 419 Graham Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C OM3
Phone: 204-947-1517 Fax: 204-943-3844
