Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2014
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Glen McGregor
Page: C7

DOCTORS RECONSIDER BACKING AD CAMPAIGN

OTTAWA - Groups that represent Canadian doctors are reconsidering 
their involvement in a government sponsored advertising campaign on 
the dangers of marijuana for young people after Liberal leader Justin 
Trudeau denounced the ads as a partisan attack on his position on the drug.

Health Canada had asked the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the College of Family 
Physicians of Canada to lend their endorsement to a $5-million 
broadcast campaign that would begin in the fall.

The Health Canada ads come as the Conservative Party assails Trudeau 
for supporting the legalization of marijuana, repeatedly claiming he 
would make it easier for children to get the drug.

At least two of the physicians' groups are now reconsidering their 
commitment to participate after the Ottawa Citizen reported this week 
about concerns that the non-partisan organizations could be drawn 
into the politically charged debate over marijuana policy.

The Royal College said Friday it is reconsidering its involvement 
after initially agreeing to participate.

"In light of the campaign evolving into a political debate about 
Canada's marijuana policy, the Royal College is currently assessing 
its participation," said the organization's president, Dr. Andrew Padmos.

"We do not support or endorse any political campaigns on this issue 
and will comment further on our future involvement once a decision 
has been reached."

Padmos said the Royal College was focused only on providing "advice 
about the health risks around prescription drug and marijuana 
consumption by young people."

The College of Family Physicians of Canada said Friday its further 
involvement was "being discussed."

Under the CFPC's agreement with Health Canada, it could withdraw from 
the campaign if it felt the ads were too political.

The CMA said this week that it hadn't made a decision on whether it 
would participate. The association, which represents 80,000 Canadian 
physicians, is expected to issue a statement Saturday after its board 
of directors considers the matter further. The CMA will hold its 
annual meeting in Ottawa next week and medical marijuana is on the agenda.

Health Canada had asked the doctors' groups only to review the ads 
for accuracy and agree to have their logos appear by way of 
endorsement. The cost of producing and broadcasting the ads would be 
paid by Health Canada. But having doctors aboard would have allowed 
the Tories to reference the stated opposition of Canada's doctors to 
drug use by teens in further attack ads aimed at the Liberal leader.

Trudeau spoke against the planned ads Thursday in Saskatoon.

"We know that Canadian taxpayers are getting extremely frustrated 
with the fact this government tends to use public money for ads that 
do more for its partisan aims than for actual public service," he said.

Trudeau said he wants to control and regulate the drug to keep it 
away from children, adding it can be damaging for young people.

The Tories have used Trudeau's position on legalization in email 
campaigns intended to raise money and Veterans Affairs Minister 
Julian Fantino last month sent out a flyer accusing Trudeau of 
wanting to make the drug more accessible to children.
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