Food Banks Canada Distributes $121,258 to Food Banks in the Territories

Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada


Food Banks Canada providing resources to support food banks in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

TORONTO, March 28, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - As part of its national mandate to assist its member food banks across the country, Food Banks Canada announces the distribution of $121,258 to five food banks in the Canadian territories:

...Whitehorse Food Bank Society, Whitehorse, YT

...Dawson Shelter Society Food Bank, Dawson, YT

...Yellowknife Salvation Army Food Bank, Yellowknife, NWT

...Food Rescue, Yellowknife, NWT

...Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, Iqaluit, NU

This support will allow recipient food banks to undertake essential work related to charitable food programs, nutrition research or education, and other client services.

"Hunger is a persistent problem right across Canada," said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. "Food bank use in the territories increased by 70% over the course of the recession, and resources have been severely stretched. We are very pleased to be able to distribute these funds to food banks in areas with very high rates of food insecurity, and that do not have access to a large funding base. We know that northern communities are hugely supportive of their food banks, and we're glad to be able to provide support to these communities."

"This is huge for us," said Jen Hayward, of the Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, in Iqaluit. "The support will go a long way in meeting our ever increasing demand. Though individuals and the business community in Iqaluit are incredibly supportive, we need all the help we can get."

This support to food banks in the territories is a portion of a total of $1,566,298 that has been distributed to the food bank community across the country, resulting from a court order to contribute funds through Food Banks Canada from the Vitamins Class Action lawsuit.

Food Banks Canada continues to find new ways of supporting food banks, including those in the territories, with food, funds and other support.

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our Members, Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short-term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.

Caregiver Commitment in Federal Budget a Good Start, but More Needs to be Done, says Canadian Cancer Society

TORONTO, March 22, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - A new family caregiver tax credit announced in today's federal government budget is a good start in providing more support for all family caregivers, says the Canadian Cancer Society.

"We welcome the tax credit and other measures in the budget as a step in the right direction," says Dan Demers, Director, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society. "But looking forward, we need to continue to work collectively to ensure more is done so that all family caregivers in Canada get the financial support they need and deserve."

One in four Canadians has cared for a loved one with a serious illness in the last 12 months. This often results in lost income, as well as the increased financial burden of unforeseen expenses such as transportation, medical equipment and supplies, drugs and more. Demers adds that in a recent Society poll, 88 per cent of Canadians said that providing care or assistance for a family member would have a negative impact on their financial situation.

The Society has been advocating for better financial support for family caregivers through improvements to the Compassionate Care Benefit, which is administered by the federal employment insurance program. These improvements include:
Timeframe for financial benefits: Increase the benefit period from the current six weeks to 26 weeks, accessible during a 52-week period.

More flexibility: allow people to claim benefits for partial weeks taken over a longer period, rather than blocks of weeks at a time.

Revise eligibility criteria: change the terminology for people eligible for benefits from "significant risk of death" to "significant need of caregiving due to a life threatening illness."

Amend the Canada Labour Code to protect the jobs of caregivers.

The Society also believes that a non-taxable, monthly Family Caregiver tax benefit should be established to help family caregivers with costs.

"We need to address this issue now because this country's population is aging and increasingly Canadians will be caring for loved ones who have cancer and other life threatening serious illnesses," says Demers. "An effective and compassionate society helps families who are caring for sick loved ones."

The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to www.ifightcancer.ca to find out how you can help. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Dr. David Suzuki - Winner of the 2011 Sakura Award

TORONTO, March 21, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Award-winning scientist; broadcaster; one of the world's greatest environmentalists, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, Dr. David Suzuki, is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Sakura Award, presented by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC), at the annual Sakura Ball gala to take place on April 9, 2011.

Dr. David Suzuki is honoured for his contributions to the promotion of Japanese and Japanese Canadian culture and heritage. Dr. Suzuki is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural sciences in a compelling, easily understood way.

Awarded once a year by the JCCC, the Sakura Award recognizes exceptional contributions made by individuals to the promotion and exchange of Japanese culture and enhancing awareness of Nikkei heritage within Canada and abroad.

The first recipient of the Sakura Award was the Right Honourable Martin Brian Mulroney, the eighteenth Prime Minister of Canada, recognized for his participation in the Japanese Canadian Redress settlement on September 22, 1988. In 2010, Japanese Canadian architect, Raymond Moriyama received the award. His stories of being interned during the Second World War because of his Japanese heritage and his rise to become one of Canada's most respected architects continue to inspire the community.

"This year we are very excited to recognize Dr. David Suzuki with the Sakura Award. Dr. Suzuki is a figure who inspires great pride among not only the Japanese Canadian community but all Canadians." says James Heron, Executive Director of the JCCC.

The Sakura Award will be presented at the Third Annual Sakura Ball, an elegant and social evening which will be held on April 9th 2011 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Bringing together the best of Canadian and Japanese entertainment, cuisine, culture, and style, the Sakura Ball the largest annual fundraising event the Japanese Canadian community. Stephen Page formally of The Bare Naked Ladies will entertain guests with the keynote speaker Dr. David Suzuki. Last year, the sold-out event set a new record for the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre's Legacy Campaign, which supports ongoing cultural and heritage programming, exhibits, events and capital projects.

About the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre:

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) is a not-for-profit organization which offers programs, services and a gathering place to celebrate Japanese and Japanese Canadian culture.

The mission of Friendship through Culture creates a lasting tribute to the unique history and contributions of past generations; to bridge the generations as the means for the continuing evolution of the community and demonstrating the importance of tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity for the benefit of all Canadians.

Serving the community since 1964, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre's 114,000 sq. ft. facility is now one of the largest and most vibrant Japanese cultural centre's in the world.

Ontario Passes Regulations Enabling Remote Dispensing

PharmaTrustTM technology enables pharmacists to deliver pharmacy services wherever, whenever, in any language

TORONTO, March 18, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Government of Ontario today announced passage of regulations that fully enable remote pharmacy dispensing in all areas of the province. Further to the provisions of Bill 179, passed in December 2009, these regulations provide the framework for how remote dispensing will occur in Ontario, and mark a historic moment in health care delivery in Canada. The regulations create the ability to deliver pharmacy services and prescription medication through an automated pharmacy dispensing system, such as the one provided by PharmaTrustTM.

The MedCentreTM, PharmaTrust's first product, is a complete pharmacy with the capacity to dispense over 2000 different prescription and over-the-counter medications, and will include features such as pill counting and refrigeration in the future. The MedCentre is entirely pharmacist operated and controlled, and can allow for 24 hour access to pharmacy services anywhere, without the barriers of time, distance, language, or costs associated with traditional pharmacies. The MedCentre employs state-of-the-art video and scanning technologies to provide patients with a remote, face-to-face consultation in real-time with an Ontario pharmacist, and to have their prescriptions filled quickly and safely. The MedCentreTM is the safest, most comprehensive health care pharmacy system developed globally to date.

"The Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Health, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists, have shown immense vision and a clear commitment to the citizens of Ontario through the creation and passage of these regulations," said Don Waugh, Chairman of PCAS (Patient Care Automation Services), the parent company of PharmaTrust."Demand for access to high quality pharmacy services are growing due to an aging population and new innovations in pharmaceutical care. This comes at a time when pressures on the health care system to deliver services in a more cost efficient manner have never been higher. The MedCentreTM allows pharmacy owners to extend their reach without the significant capital costs associated with bricks and mortar pharmacies, and this is good news for patients who require greater access to pharmaceutical care."

With these new regulations, the expanded access to pharmacy services throughout the province, particularly in remote or underserved areas, will be greatly enhanced. Additionally, the new regulations create opportunities for pharmacists to use innovative technology to support expansion of their practice, allowing them to become the most accessible health care provider.

"We are pleased to be creating an environment that allows for the cost effective and efficient expansion of quality pharmacy services through the passing of these regulations," said Hon. Deb Mathews, Ontario Minister of Health. "These forward-looking regulations truly pave the way for safe and convenient access to pharmacy services for every single person in Ontario."

Electronic Medical Records Should be a Priority in Ontario: Ontario's Doctors

TORONTO, March 17, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are having a positive impact on patient care across the province, and Ontario's doctors are calling on all provincial parties to include the expansion of EMRs as a key pillar in their respective platforms in the upcoming election.

Today, there are nearly 6 million patients who are now covered by an EMR, with over 6,000 physicians participating in the EMR adoption program. While Ontario's doctors are well aware of the benefits of EMRs, recent polling conducted on behalf of the Ontario Medical Association reveals that a majority of patients also see the benefits. In fact, 62 per cent of people believe that further investments should be made to expand EMRs in the province.

"Ontario is a leader in expanding access to Electronic Medical Records, but we do not yet have a fully integrated system that can support increased quality of care and support the broader changes to the health care system that are necessary." Mark MacLeod, MD, President of the Ontario Medical Association

EMRs have quickly demonstrated the important role they can play in supporting physicians' advancement of patient care. Physicians that are using EMRs have reported improvements in patient safety, continuity of care and overall quality of care. Physicians are using the systems to write and renew prescriptions, manage lab results, and for preventive care measures.

Today, Ontario's doctors are urging provincial parties to adopt the following recommendations into their respective platforms for the upcoming provincial election, including:

...Creating a flexible exchange of information between physicians and hospitals, laboratories, pharmacists, family doctors and specialists through electronic medical records;

...Putting a plan in place to ensure that every person in Ontario has an electronic medical record.;

...Expanding the use of electronic medical records to 5,000 more physicians.

"EMRs are a critical component in the evolution of the province's health care system. Ensuring that EMRs are available in every doctor's office is an important step towards improving and strengthening Ontario's health care system." Mark MacLeod, MD, President of the Ontario Medical Association

The latest survey results for 2010 clearly illustrate that physicians using EMRs are producing positive results including:

...90 per cent are using EMRs regularly to write and renew prescriptions;

...90 per cent are regularly receiving and managing lab results electronically, up from 82 per cent in 2008;

...92 per cent are using their EMRs to enter their encounter notes, eliminating the need for paper records;

...73 per cent felt they were primarily paperless, up from 60 per cent in 2008.

New Easy to Digest Nutrition Resources Available

Canadian Diabetes Association resources aimed at South Asian and Aboriginal communities

TORONTO, March 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - March is Nutrition Month and what better time to kick-start a new healthy lifestyle. The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to offer new nutrition resources for the South Asian and Aboriginal communities. These easy-to-use resources that are highly regarded by both healthcare professionals and consumers are an adaptation of the Association's Just the Basics resource.

The South Asian and Aboriginal Just the Basics resources are filled with culturally appropriate information and tips for healthy eating including portion guides. The resources additionally provide recommendations on how to increase physical activity and advice on how to follow a healthy lifestyle. The South Asian resource also includes healthy sample meal plans with vegetarian options.

"South Asians are the fastest growing immigrant population in Canada and they also have one of the highest rates of diabetes amongst all of the cultural groups in Canada. People of Aboriginal descent are three to five times more likely than the general population to develop type 2 diabetes," said Sharon Zeiler, Senior Manager of Diabetes Education and Nutrition, Canadian Diabetes Association. "These new resources will help enable these groups to incorporate nutritious food options and physical activity into their lifestyle."

The South Asian and Aboriginal Just the Basics resources are the first two tools in a series of resources that will be tailored towards specific cultural groups that have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The South Asian resource is available in five languages - Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, English and French and the Aboriginal resource is presently available in English. Future resources will be directed to people of African, Asian and Hispanic descent. Visit diabetes.ca to order printed copies of the South Asian or Aboriginal Just the Basics resource from the Online Literature Order Desk or to download an electronic version.

Diabetes in Canada

Today, more than three million Canadians live with diabetes of which one million live with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. More than 20 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour of every day. A further six million Canadians live with prediabetes and nearly 50 per cent of them will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes refers to a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Nearly one in four Canadians either has diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes also threatens the economic prosperity of our nation as it currently costs our healthcare system $12.2 billion annually - a number that is projected to rise to $16.9 billion by 2020. However, as much as diabetes is impacting the Canadian healthcare system, it is shortening people's lives by 5 to 15 years. Diabetes is increasingly costing Canadians their lives, yet people remain desensitized to it. Visit getcheckednow.ca for more information.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters help us provide education and services to people living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, break ground towards a cure and translate research into practical applications. For more information, please visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

Prime Minister Harper Announces Second Mandate for Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

TORONTO, March 10, 2011/Canada NewsWire/ - Today's announcement of renewed support for cancer control by Prime Minister Harper is great news for Canadians. The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is receiving a second five-year mandate, to begin in 2012, and $250 million in funding to continue implementation of Canada's national cancer control strategy.

"This is tremendous news for Canada's cancer control community and for all Canadians. It represents significant confidence by the federal government in the positive impact we are having in reducing the burden of cancer," says Simon Sutcliffe, MD, Chair of the Partnership's Board of Directors. "Effectively controlling cancer requires a dedicated and long-term focus. This is why a second mandate is so important for Canada. It allows the critical work underway with our cancer and chronic disease partners to continue - work that will benefit all Canadians. On behalf of the Partnership, I thank the Harper Government for their commitment to controlling cancer."

The Partnership opened its doors in 2007 as a non-governmental organization funded by the federal government with an initial five-year mandate to implement a cancer control strategy aimed at reducing the number of Canadians diagnosed with cancer, lessening deaths due to cancer and improving the quality of life of those affected by cancer. Defined by the collective vision, expertise and firsthand experience of more than 700 cancer leaders, advocates, patients and survivors, the strategy embraces the full spectrum of what is needed to control cancer: prevention, screening, data gathering, research, guidelines, standards, treatment and supportive care for patients and survivors.

"Cancer is the number one health concern for Canadians, and each of us plays a role in reducing its significant impact - that includes governments, cancer agencies, national health organizations, patient groups like the Canadian Cancer Society, and members of the public," says Jessica Hill, CEO of the Partnership. "Our role is to coordinate with a broad range of partners in health from across Canada to find what is working best in one part of the country and make it available to others, to address gaps in evidence and to launch efforts to seek new knowledge. I am confident our second mandate will allow us to accelerate action together to address this complex disease."

In the short time the Partnership has been in operation, this collaborative approach to advancing the best evidence to control cancer is yielding significant results, including:

...better access to and awareness of colorectal cancer screening, the second leading cause of cancer deaths;

...funding of a world-class research initiative to find out why some people get cancer and other chronic diseases, and others do not;

...improvements in cancer stage data collection and a new approach for reporting how Canada's cancer system is performing;

...resources to help patients navigate a complex care system, deal with psychosocial and practical challenges, and help healthcare professionals identify which patients need more support on their cancer journey;

...supportive programs to help survivors adjust to life after treatment, when many are faced with physical, emotional and practical challenges, and

...an innovative online community to support those working in or affected by cancer to share, develop and access the best evidence and information.

With this second five-year mandate, the Partnership looks forward to driving excellence in cancer and chronic disease prevention, screening, and cancer care, and focusing on improving the cancer journey for patients and their families - whether they need support to live well after they finish cancer treatment or require palliative and end of life care. An important part of this work is continuing joint efforts with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to address their unique cancer control needs and reduce the impact of cancer and chronic diseases in their communities.

"Cancer affects all of us. With over 40 per cent of Canadians developing cancer in their lifetime and one in four likely to die of it, we all know someone who has cancer, who has lost someone to cancer or who is living as a survivor beyond cancer," says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "The strength of our national cancer control strategy is that so many dedicated organizations and people are contributing to its success across the country, including the Canadian Cancer Society. With this renewed commitment we will be able to continue this important work to realize the benefits that Canadians deserve."

For more information about the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Canada's cancer control strategy, visit partnershipagainstcancer.ca. The Partnership is also the driving force behind cancerview.ca, an online community linking Canadians to cancer information, services and resources.

Ontarians encouraged to consult medication experts during Pharmacist Awareness Week

TORONTO, March 3, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is encouraging Ontarians to speak with their pharmacist during Pharmacist Awareness Week, March 6-12 - before beginning their spring vacations.

"Pharmacists are highly trained and accessible health professionals, and the experts in medication," said Janet McCutchon, Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association. "Whether patients are planning to travel or staying close to home, their pharmacist can provide valuable advice and information that can help keep them and their families healthy."

When patients use one pharmacy, the team there can develop a personalized medication record to help identify potential drug interactions and other issues. This is especially important when a patient has been prescribed multiple medications by several different prescribers.

Pharmacists work closely with other health professionals to advise on potential side effects, interactions and any necessary adjustments to medications. They also help patients make sense of new health information, and help them adhere to treatment plans. They can show patients how to monitor blood pressure, use an inhaler, and test blood sugar levels. They provide advice on how to quit smoking. They also provide many other services, ranging from screening for cholesterol and diabetes management, to hosting flu shot clinics.

For patients preparing for vacations, their pharmacist can help adjust dosing schedules to avoid missing doses when travelling across time zones. The pharmacist can also provide advice on how to avoid travel sickness, how to prevent traveller's diarrhea, and which regions of the world require additional vaccinations. The pharmacist can review a patient's medications, ensuring none has expired, and provide a complete medication list. Patients are advised to carry their medications with them rather than in checked luggage, whenever possible.

"Spring is also a good time to clean out the medicine cabinet, and return expired medications to pharmacies for proper disposal," McCutchon said.

About the Ontario Pharmacists' Association

The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is the professional association that represents the views and interests of more than 12,000 pharmacists and pharmacists-in-training across the province. The Association works to inspire excellence in the profession and practice of pharmacy, and to promote wellness for patients.

CBC Celebrates 50 Years of the NATURE OF THINGS - and 75 Years of David Suzuki

TORONTO, March 1, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - THE NATURE OF THINGS WITH DAVID SUZUKI has been a beloved staple of CBC-TV's documentary programming since 1961, and this month the network is celebrating both the 50th anniversary of the program and the 75th birthday of Dr. David Suzuki himself.

"David Suzuki is, quite simply, a symbol of Canada. His dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, his passion for our environment, and his gentle manner combined with a deep determination embody so much of what this country is all about," said Kirstine Stewart, CBC's executive vice president of English Services, who today announced a full month of special programs and activities to celebrate Suzuki and the program with which he has become synonymous.

"I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to David—he has enlightened, educated and entertained Canadians, giving them a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural wonders with which we have been blessed, and the forces at play around them. He has set a standard for excellence that will continue to be a model for broadcasters for generations to come."

"It's core to the CBC's mission that we develop and nurture Canadian content and Canadian stars—and there is no better example than THE NATURE OF THINGS and David Suzuki," added Stewart. "He is a true Canadian and CBC icon. And he embodies CBC's dual commitment to Canadian talent and groundbreaking Canadian programming."

Stewart is hosting a special celebration in Vancouver this evening in Suzuki's honour.

Over the past 50 years, THE NATURE OF THINGS has been one of the first mainstream programs to present scientific findings on climate change, AIDS, nuclear power and countless other subjects.

To mark the twin milestones of the 50th anniversary of THE NATURE OF THINGS and Dr. Suzuki's 75th birthday, two very special broadcasts are scheduled:

On Sunday, March 13, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), CBC-TV presents the world broadcast premiere of Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie. In it, the Canadian scientist, educator, broadcaster and activist delivers a 'last lecture'—what he describes as "a distillation of my life and thoughts, my legacy, what I want to say before I die." The film interweaves the lecture with scenes from the places and events in Suzuki's life—creating a biography of ideas—forged by the major social, scientific and cultural events of the past 70 years.

On Thursday, March 24, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), Canada's longest running documentary series THE NATURE OF THINGS celebrates 50 years in a special retrospective, 50 Years of The Nature of Things. The world-renowned series' rich legacy will be revealed in each act through original graphics, excerpts, new interviews and David Suzuki's narration and on-camera commentary. Suzuki will take viewers on an incredible journey through our rich legacy of archives—from the early days in the studio, to the first colour broadcast on the CBC and from pole to pole in HD. It is a half-century of stunning, revealing and moving footage.

Other upcoming broadcast highlights include:

Director James Cameron's blockbuster film Avatar chronicled the struggle of an alien tribe on the distant planet of Pandora fighting human invaders bent on mining their forest home. On Thursday, March 3, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), THE NATURE OF THINGS and David Suzuki journey to Peru in The Real Avatar and document how domestic and international resource companies are threatening the habitats and way of life for Peruvian native peoples, including the "uncontacted" tribes recently featured in news reports around the world.

And on Thursday, March 17, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), THE NATURE OF THINGS premieres Save My Lake, a documentary that plunges into the scientific and environmental factors behind the shocking deterioration of spectacular Lake Winnipeg over the past 35 years.

THE NATURE OF THINGS airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV; Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Saturdays at 7 p.m. ET and Sundays at 6 p.m. ET on CBC News Network. For complete program information, please visit www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. For more information, visit www.cbc.ca.

Ontario Health Study Update

The Ontario Health Study (OHS) will be the biggest community-based health study ever done in Canada. The OHS is a long-term study that will help us understand the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.

Studies like the OHS have led to important discoveries in the past. For example, they have taught us that smoking causes cancer and that diabetes can increase a person’s risk of heart disease. Many thousands of people have participated in previous population-based health studies. As a result, all Canadians have better health care today. Now you have a chance to make a difference for future generations.

The Study is open to all residents of Ontario who are at least 18 years old.

All you need to do is go to our website ( www.ontariohealthstudy.ca ) and complete our initial online questionnaire (takes approxiamtely 20 minutes). Then, every 6-8 months we'll ask you to complete a similar length questionnaire. Following our population over time will allow researchers to see how environment, lifestyle and genes affect the risk of common diseases.