Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2014
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Glen McGregor
Page: B3

DOCTORS RECONSIDER BACKING GOVERNMENT'S ANTI-POT AD CAMPAIGN

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. The party has repeatedly
claimed 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 reports this week about concerns that
the nonpartisan organizations could be drawn into the politically
charged debate over marijuana policy.

The Royal College said in a statement 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.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada said Friday its further
involvement was now "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 is holding 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.
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MAP posted-by: Matt