Pubdate: Thu, 14 Aug 2014
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2014 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Website: http://www.leaderpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Glen McGregor
Page: A5

HEALTH CANADA ENLISTS DOCTORS IN ANTI-POT CAMPAIGN

OTTAWA - As the Conservatives repeatedly attack Liberal leader Justin
Trudeau over his support for the legalization of marijuana, the
federal government has asked three groups representing Canadian
doctors to endorse a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign warning
about the drug's health risks for young people.

Health Canada has approached the Canadian Medical Association, the
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of
Family Physicians of Canada asking them to sign on to the broadcast
advertising campaign, scheduled to launch some time in the fall.

The organizations would not be required to fund the ad campaign,
estimated to cost $5 million, but their logos and endorsements would
appear in them, according to a source familiar with the proposal.

The campaign comes as the Conservative Party runs its own attack ads
alleging Trudeau's approach to legalization would make it easier for
children to obtain pot.

On Tuesday, the party premiered an online video highlighting Trudeau
statements on legalization, with the closing line "Help keep marijuana
away from our kids."

The Tories have also repeatedly cited Trudeau's marijuana position in
email campaigns aimed at shaking more money out of supporters, even
though recent polls show Canadians warming to the idea of liberalizing
marijuana laws.

In a pamphlet sent to constituents earlier this year, Veterans Affairs
Minister Julian Fantino alleged that Trudeau wants to "make buying
marijuana a normal, everyday activity for young Canadians" and even
charged that the Liberal leader wants to allow the sale of pot in
corner stores.

In fact, Trudeau has suggested the government regulate and tax the
sale of marijuana, similar to provincially regulated beer and liquor
sales, and says this will help keep the drug away from children.

The request from Health Canada has made some affiliated with the
organizations nervous about taking a public stance on what is becoming
an increasingly partisan political issue, even if many physicians are
concerned about marijuana's longterm effects on physical and mental
health.

One source familiar with the discussions with Health Canada said there
were concerns that getting involved could undermine an organization's
perceived neutrality and credibility, potentially affecting its
ability to advocate on health policy with governments in the future.

The ad campaign could also expose the Conservatives to allegations
they are using government money and Health Canada's brand to undermine
a political opponent, in the guise of public health awareness.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada confirmed that it has
signed an agreement with Health Canada to have its addiction medicine
committee review television ads and other materials to ensure they are
accurate and reflect concerns about how the drug can affect
adolescents, said Eric Mang, CFPC's director of health policy and
government relations.

"Family physicians are comfortable about talking about the health
risks of marijuana for teens," Mang said.

The CFPC is also planning to release a document on medical marijuana
prescribing for family doctors that will recommend against giving the
drug to anyone under 25 years of age.

The Royal College also confirmed its participation in an educational
campaign, saying its involvement will be "to confirm the health
accuracy and appropriateness of key messages and any supporting
materials that may be developed for Canadian physicians," according to
spokesman Tom McMillan.

The Canadian Medical Association said it is approached by third
parties about involvement in various campaigns but does not make its
discussions public until completed.
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MAP posted-by: Matt