Pubdate: Mon, 18 Aug 2014
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2014 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Andre Picard
Page: A8

DOCTORS WITHDRAW SUPPORT OF ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

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. Justin Trudeau Liberal
Leader

Three leading medical groups have withdrawn their support for an
anti-drug campaign mounted by Health Canada, saying it has become a
partisan exercise, not an educational one.

"We did not and do not, support or endorse any political messaging or
political advertising on this issue," the College of Family Physicians
of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association and the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada said in a joint statement. Between
them, these groups represent all 80,000 Canadian doctors.

Health Canada recently unveiled plans for a $5-million advertising
campaign that will focus on telling young people about the dangers of
marijuana and prescription drugs.

The CFPC, CMA and RCPSC initially signed on as "partners" for the
initiative.

But on Friday, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau lashed out at the
campaign, saying the government of Stephen Harper was using tax
dollars to attack him and his party's position in favour of
decrimininalizing marijuana.

"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," Mr.
Trudeau said.

Almost immediately, the physicians' groups said they were withdrawing
their support, but said they will continue to educate the public on
the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Health Canada, for its part, defended the campaign, saying: "The
prevalence and health risks of marijuana and prescription drug use and
abuse make them compelling public health issues in Canada. Marijuana
is the most widely used illegal drug among Canadian youth today."

Health Canada said it routinely works with partners in the health
sector and dismissed suggestions that the campaign is in any way partisan.

"The intent of the campaigns is educational and the material is based
on evidence and science."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt