Ontario Doctors Call for Changes to Proposed Audit System

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors wrote to Health Minister Christine Elliott today following their semi-annual Council meeting calling for changes to proposed legislation that would resurrect a failed audit system.

The letter from the Ontario Medical Association made clear that physicians support the principles of transparency and the need to spend taxpayers' dollars wisely. 

"Doctors and government are working together to transform the province's health care system. We know that oversight is an important part of this work," said OMA President Dr. Sohail Gandhi. "Doctors support an audit system that is fair, protects patient privacy and is based on due process. But that's not what's being proposed, and we want to work with government to fix it."

The letter, and a petition signed by 250 physician leaders from all specialties and all parts of the province, raises serious concerns about Schedule 15 of Bill 138.

Schedule 15 would reintroduce an audit system that Supreme Court Judge Peter Cory described in 2005 as "debilitating for physicians and detrimental to the health care system." 

That system was abandoned more than a decade ago. It was a failed system that was bad for doctors and patients and was costly, cumbersome and inefficient.

Below please find the text of the letter.

About the OMA

The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

Letter to Government

November 25, 2019

Dear Minister Elliott,

The Ontario Medical Association's Council delegates, representing all 31,577 doctors across the province, came together over the weekend in their semi-annual meeting to discuss health system issues of interest to the profession and our patients. 

Of great concern to the Council delegates is the recent introduction of Schedule 15 as part of Bill 138.

Ontario's doctors agree with the principles of transparency and the need to spend taxpayers' dollars wisely. Oversight is important. We support an audit system that is fair, protects patient privacy, and is based on due process.

However, the OMA Council this weekend raised serious concerns about Schedule 15 as currently drafted. Schedule 15 proposes a system similar to the Medical Review Committee that Supreme Court Justice Peter Cory described, in 2005, as "debilitating for physicians and detrimental to the health care system."

Since the Ford Government was elected, the OMA has demonstrated its commitment to work collaboratively on health care transformation.

Research shows the public trusts doctors the most to make decisions about the future of health care. The people of Ontario want the government and doctors to work together to lead, shape and drive the health care system. Bill 138 undermines the relationship between doctors and government.

We were grateful that you spoke to our Council meeting on Friday, November 22, and highlighted the importance of our relationship. Your commitment to work with the OMA overall, and particularly to make amendments to Section 15, was well-received. We look forward to today's meeting with ministry officials.

I want to underscore how sensitive this issue is to our members.

Dr. Sohail Gandhi
President, Ontario Medical Association

cc: Hon. Rod Phillips, Ontario Minister of Finance,
Helen Angus, Deputy Minister of Health 
Allan O'Dette, CEO, Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

BC Centre on Substance Use hosts inaugural Cannabis Science Symposium

VANCOUVER, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ -Dr. M-J Milloy, the Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science at the University of British Columbia ("UBC") is proud to bring together patients and other people with lived and living experience with researchers, clinicians, and policymakers for the inaugural Cannabis Science Symposium with the goal of establishing a research agenda for cannabis and harm reduction during the overdose crisis.

The one-day public research symposium is organized by the BC Centre on Substance Use ("BCCSU") and UBC with support from Spectrum Therapeutics, the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED), (NYSE: CGC). 

In the midst of an ongoing overdose crisis impacting communities across Canada and the United States, new measures are needed to prevent overdose-related morbidity and mortality, especially among people living with substance use disorders and common comorbidities, such as chronic pain. A growing wealth of preliminary evidence suggests cannabis might be a beneficial harm reduction-based intervention. This research symposium will gather expertise to discuss the latest evidence, reflect on the current responses to the overdose crisis, and establish next steps to advance knowledge, policy and practice around cannabis for harm reduction.

"The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are only just beginning to be understood. Early research has shown that it could have a stabilizing impact for people with opioid use disorder, improving their quality of life and offering a pathway to long-term treatment solutions," says Dr. Milloy, who is also a research scientist at BCCSU. "We have a scientific imperative to build upon this research and ensure that research is guided by the experiences of those living and responding to the overdose crisis."

"This first Cannabis Science Symposium provides an important forum for researchers, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders and those with lived experience to exchange knowledge, ideas and first-hand experience on the potential of cannabis in addressing the overdose crisis," commented Dr. Mark Ware, Chief Medical Officer, Canopy Growth. "Solutions are still desperately needed and we're committed to doing our part to help affected individuals, families and communities."

The Canopy Growth Professorship of Cannabis Science was established via a $2.5 million donation from Canopy Growth to UBC and the BCCSU to fund clinical research aimed at defining the potential benefits of cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic treatment for opioid use disorder. Upon the announcement of Dr. Milloy as the first Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science, he along with his team performed a comprehensive review of existing studies examining the role of cannabis in addressing opioid use disorder to help inform the direction of the clinical trials to be conducted as part of the Professorship. 

In their most recent study, where researchers from the BCCSU and UBC interviewed more than 1,100 people at highest risk of opioid overdose in Vancouver between 2014 and 2017, it was found that people who used cannabis at least daily had nearly 50 per cent lower odds of using illicit opioids at least daily compared to cannabis non-users.¹ Through their research to date, the BCCSU has demonstrated that the evidence, which continues to accumulate, supports further evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for opioid use disorder. 

2019 Cannabis Science Symposium 
"Cannabis and harm reduction: What we know and what we need to learn"
Monday, November 25, 8:30AM - 1:30PM (Pacific Time)
UBC Robson Square - 800 Robson St

The symposium is sold out, however the event will be broadcasted via webinar. Those interested can register here. 

About BC Centre on Substance Use
The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use through the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and standards. With the support of the Province of BC, BCCSU aims to transform substance use policies and care by translating research into education and care guidance, thereby serving all British Columbians.

About Spectrum Therapeutics
Spectrum Therapeutics, the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED, NYSE: CGC), is dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, furthering the public's understanding of medical cannabis and its various applications, and cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Founded in Canada, Spectrum Therapeutics operates in Australia, South America, Africa and across Europe. Its products are available in a wide range of potencies and formats designed to simplify the dialogue around strength and dosage by applying a colour-coded spectrum to categorize medical cannabis according to THC and CBD levels. Spectrum Therapeutics' offerings include whole flower cannabis, oils and new innovations such as Softgels in addition to single cannabinoid medicine Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics. Through product simplification, robust clinical research and ongoing education of healthcare professionals, Spectrum Therapeutics is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients around the globe.

About Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has operations in over a dozen countries across five continents.

Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics. 

Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eleven licensed cannabis production sites with over 10.5 million square feet of production capacity, including over one million square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include establish next steps to advance knowledge, policy and practice around cannabis for harm reduction. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including research direction, and such risks contained in the Company's annual information form dated June 27, 2018 and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Spectrum Therapeutics

New Report From World Animal Protection Says Improving Animal Welfare on Farms Is Key to Fighting Superbugs

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - The world is facing a public health crisis because of antibiotic resistance. According to the United Nations, currently at least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as "superbugs," can even be found in the food you eat. 

That's because antibiotics are vastly overused in raising farmed animals globally. Superbugs can start on farms and then enter our food chain and environment. When antibiotic resistant superbugs are passed to people, they make us less able to fight disease.

A new report from the global charity World Animal Protection has found superbugs in pork sold at Walmart stores in the United States. The report showed that 80% of the bacteria isolated from Walmart's pork products were resistant to at least one antibiotic, with significant resistance to classes of antibiotics considered highly important or critically important by the World Health Organization.

Last year the charity released a report where pork products tested in five countries, including Spain and Thailand, also had superbugs resistant to antibiotics.

Pork products sold at Canadian Walmart stores have not been tested, but Canada does import pork from the US. According to the US Meat Export Federation, last year, 205,568 metric tonnes of US pork valued at USD$765 million was exported to Canada. 

As of December 2018, in Canada, a veterinary prescription is required for antibiotics given to farm animals and antibiotic use in the livestock industry has decreased. However, administering antibiotics to farm animals for disease prevention is still commonplace.

The results from the Walmart pork testing come on the heels of a Canadian study from the Council of Canadian Academies warning of the potential rise in the percentage of bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatments. The report states that overuse of antibiotics on farm animals raised for food contributes to this. It's estimated that about 400,000 Canadians are likely to die from drug-resistant infections by 2050.

One solution to help stop this and the overall global superbug crisis, would be to keep farm animals in better conditions.

"We know that raising animals in low welfare farms with crowding and unsanitary conditions makes the animals stressed and more vulnerable to illness. Mother pigs (sows) are still largely housed in cages where they cannot even turn around. That is why it is important to transition from these environments to higher welfare farms where animals have space to move and can live in an enriched environment. It's better for them and they are healthier and less prone to disease in the first place," says Lynn Kavanagh, Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection Canada.

Farmers who raise pigs in better conditions, agree that the health is much better for the animals. In Canada, all producers are expected to eliminate the practice of confining mother pigs in gestation (pregnancy) crates by 2024 and the Retail Council Of Canada, which includes companies such as Walmart Canada, has committed to sourcing pork from mother pigs raised in group housing  by 2022. However, Walmart Canada has still not made a public commitment to this on their website. World Animal Protection encourages them to do this as consumers expect companies to be transparent about their animal welfare commitments. 

World Animal Protection is also calling on global supermarkets to improve the lives of pigs by only sourcing pork from high welfare farms. World Animal Protection's Raise Pigs Right campaign wants pigs to be freed from cages and not left to suffer in barren environments that promote disease and increase the risk of superbugs. Rather, these highly intelligent, social  animals should be allowed to live in groups, with room to move around naturally. 

"Change is possible and higher welfare systems are good for the health of animals and people and it's good for business too," says Kavanagh.

Notes to Editors
See our global business case studies on sows and pigs raised for meat.
For more information on how to find higher welfare meat and dairy products, see our humane shopping guide.

About World Animal Protection
From our offices around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Kenya, the US and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. During 2018 we gave more than 3 billion animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. 

SOURCE World Animal Protection

Province Brands of Canada Inks Deal to Distribute 

First CBD Beer Nationwide In Ireland

First Step in Opening European Market in 2020

Award-Winning, Cork-Based Barry & Fitzwilliam Named Exclusive Multi-Year Distribution Partner

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NUNAVUT, CANADA/CORK, IRELAND – November 24, 2019 -- Province Brands of Canada, a leading researcher in cannabinoid science and the developer of first-of-its-kind luxury beverages powered by cannabis, is excited to announce today the selection of its exclusive distribution partner to bring the first nationally available nonalcoholic CBD beer to the Irish consumer.  

Following an extensive search and competition, Province Brands of Canada announced that Barry & Fitzwilliam has been selected as exclusive distributor across the Republic of Ireland for Province Brands of Canada’s superior line of CBD beer in a multi-year relationship between the two firms. Barry & Fitzwilliam is Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks distributor, with a portfolio of more than 120 top-brand beers, wines, and spirits, a commitment to nationwide distribution, and an emphasis on high-level customer care. 

“Province Brands of Canada is very excited to be working with the fine team at Barry & Fitzwilliam to bring the first nationally available CBD beer to the Irish consumer,” said Dooma Wendschuh, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder.  “Three years ago, we began our journey.  To be preparing to bring our first beers to Ireland and to be entering the European market is a breakthrough step for Province Brands of Canada and our approach to research, development, and innovation.” 

“Barry & Fitzwilliam is delighted with our new association with Province Brands of Canada,” said Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam. “Province Brands is at the leading edge of CBD-infused and other cannabis powered beverages internationally and we are excited to be at the forefront with them in Ireland.” 

Ireland ranks 6^th in the world for beer consumption per capita and the new venture between Province Brands and Barry & Fitzwilliam is expected to begin offering CBD-infused, barley-based, non-alcoholic beverages across Ireland in February 2020. 

About Province Brands of Canada 

Province Brands of Canada is a mission-driven research and development / IP generation company developing a suite of innovative technologies with applications across the cannabis and adult beverage industries. The first technology we are bringing to market is a revolutionary technique for crafting the world's first fermented beverages brewed from cannabis in place of grains or barley. Province Brands of Canada is mining the untapped potential of the cannabis plant to achieve its mission - creating less harmful alternatives to alcohol. 

eyeforpharma Awards Recognize Two ACTO Use Cases as Finalists

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Two of ACTO's use cases have been nominated as finalists in the eyeforpharma Awards, which focus on recognizing genuine, truly innovative and meaningful approaches to excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. AstraZeneca has been nominated in the 'Most Promising MVP/Pilot' category for its ACTO use case. ACTO has been nominated in the 'Most Valuable Data & Insights Initiative' category for its work with Philips Respironics. 

"We are truly honored that the esteemed eyeforpharma judges have recognized ACTO as a finalist in the eyeforpharma Awards," said Parth Khanna, CEO of ACTO, "In order to adjust to industry changes such as a shift towards value-based care, life sciences companies need to think differently and adopt novel solutions. These eyeforpharma nominations validate that ACTO is indeed the out-of-the-box solution that life sciences companies need today to promote on clinical value."

The 'Most Promising MVP/Pilot' category recognizes initiatives by life sciences companies that have the potential to disrupt the status quo. With the life sciences industry witnessing a shift towards value-based selling, AstraZeneca seized the opportunity and leveraged ACTO's cutting-edge technology to break into an untapped market, making the AstraZeneca-ACTO use case a befitting finalist in this category. 

"At AstraZeneca, we are focused on creating a culture of learning where everyone has the ability to grow and develop in the flow of work," said Spencer Holt, Head of AstraZeneca's Commercial Learning Innovation Centre, "We are pushing the boundaries of science and putting patients first in everything we do. ACTO is a key partner in helping us in our evolution of developing new skills, being relevant to our customers and ensuring learning is a strategic driver to performance." 

The pilot was successfully launched in a record time of 4 months and achieved a notable adoption rate of 98% amongst reps. ACTO has helped reps promote on clinical value and has given AstraZeneca's commercial leaders deep field intelligence on what strategies are or are not working in the field. 

ACTO is nominated in the 'Most Valuable Data & Insights Initiative' category, which recognizes initiatives that harness data (internal or RWD), AI, ML or analytics to reveal valuable insights, ultimately resulting in new opportunities for better patient care. In the past, many coveted awards such as the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards and the LTEN Excellence Awards in Innovation have recognized ACTO's work with Philips Respironics. The ACTO-Philips Respironics partnership revealed to the life sciences industry that it is possible to draw a relationship between commercial learning and development data (CL&D) and sales performance data. 

By consolidating their training, sales, and marketing tools onto the ACTO Commercialization Cloud, Philips Respironics was able to both equip their reps to more effectively communicate their clinical data and messaging, and identify opportunities in real-time to coach their reps. With ACTO, Philips Respironics harnessed deep field data to draw insights on their top reps' behaviours and create a blueprint of success not just for commercial learning and development, but for the entire commercial unit. 

Eyeforpharma will announce the winners at the eyeforpharma Awards 2019 ceremony taking place in Philadelphia, USA, on December 11, 2019. More details about the eyeforpharma Awards and the lists of finalists are available at https://www.eyeforpharma.com/awards-evening/ 

About ACTO

ACTO is disrupting how drugs and devices are promoted and brought to market. ACTO's technology is the only unified cloud platform designed for life sciences that delivers field effectiveness and powerful data insights by combining micro-learning, sales enablement, video coaching, and live events in a single, engaging app. 

With ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences, global pharmaceutical and medical device companies promote on clinical value to increase sales, drive brand alignment, and reduce compliance risk. For more information on the ACTO Commercialization Cloud for Life Sciences, visit acto.com

About AstraZeneca 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business delivering medicines to patients through innovative science and excellence in development and commercialization. The company's purpose is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life‐changing medicines. AstraZeneca wants to be valued and trusted by its stakeholders as a source of great medicines over the long term.

About Philips Respironics

Philips Respironics, a global leader in the Sleep and Respiratory markets, is passionate about providing solutions that lead to healthier patients, healthier practices, and healthier businesses. Philips Respironics believes that effective sleep and respiratory management empowers patients to rediscover confidence and the freedom to live a fulfilling life by restoring their ability to sleep and breathe naturally.

About eyeforpharma 

eyeforpharma's mission is to make pharma more open and valued. To do this, eyeforpharma provides a hub for senior-level pharma executives, patient groups and other health stakeholders to exchange ideas and observe shifting trends and practices. It provides commentary, events, reports, and other expert-driven content. One of eyeforpharma's biggest strengths is to be able to gather advice, examples and understanding on the best industry work, articulate this across multiple channels, and create a mass movement to help improve the pharmaceutical industry at large. 

SOURCE ACTO Technologies, Inc.

Let's be clear, THC vapes or other non-regulated, non water-soluble devices are not classified as "e-cigarettes"

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) Responds to Canadian Medical Association Journal study on a vaping-related disease diagnosis in an Ontario teen

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2019 /CNW/ - The CVA is aware of a disturbing lung illness diagnosis that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Thursday, November 21. Cases like this are very unsettling, particularly given that it and the other illnesses in the United States are clustered within the last five months. This pattern suggests, and the CMAJ infers, that other substances, such as THC, vitamin E acetate or other non-sanctioned chemicals, have been inappropriately introduced into the product.  As the report suggests, more testing is needed and needed soon.

It is important to take a step back and redefine nicotine e-liquid vaping. This form of vaping is defined as water-soluble nicotine delivery through an electronic device, a process that has been strictly regulated provincially and federally, with no incident of illness for over a decade. The generalization of the terms "vaping" or "e-cigarettes" to include unregulated, black market, including those containing THC, is highly misleading. In the case of THC vape products, vitamin E acetate has been identified as the cause of the lung illness outbreak seen across North America this past summer.

Based on a preliminary review of the CMAJ findings, the CVA urges caution around the premature conclusions stated in the study. The nature of the bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, diagnosis in the study is merely speculative, and based on a single patient diagnosis. In fact, by the authors' own admission, the study has several limitations. The authors admitted they were unable to pinpoint the causative agent(s) responsible for the patient's pulmonary illness, as he vaped a variety of substances of which more than one may be a causative agent for harm. 

"The fact that this new study is based on one case, with several limitations, calls into question the conclusiveness of any of the findings. The distinction between this particular case and the wider EVALI diagnosis doesn't isolate e-liquid nicotine vapes as the causal agent of this particular Ontario teen's symptoms." said Darryl Tempest, Executive Director and Lead Advocate of The Canadian Vaping Association. "In fact, the most significant takeaway from the report is that further testing is needed into the root cause of the Ontario teen's illness, as well as other vaping-related illnesses diagnosed across Canada."

The study also highlights the need for tighter regulation of the vaping industry, including marketing, age-restricted sales and rigorous testing of vape products; the CVA has been vocal in its advocacy with the federal and provincial governments and health agencies for these very measures. It is important that vaping-related regulations are updated on a measured and evidence-based approach.

The federal government is also working on toxicology and emissions testing of vaping products. The CVA supports the development of testing standards to ensure Canadians can continue to have access to this life-saving product, and are protected from black market and oil-based vape products that are extremely dangerous to their health. Approximately 40 million people worldwide have found vaping as the most successful harm reduction alternative to combustible tobacco over the past decade. An outright ban on flavours would drive those who rely on vape products as a harm reduction alternative either to the unregulated and unsafe black market for vaping products or back to combustible tobacco.

The correlation between diacetyl and its formation over time in e-liquids containing acetoin - a flavouring replacement used by the flavouring industry to replace diacetyl and acetyl propionyl - is noted in the CMAJ study. To ensure consumer safety, CVA members ensure that expiry dates are clearly labelled on all product packaging of e-liquids, based on their shelf life of two years. 

About the Canadian Vaping Association

The Canadian Vaping Association (thecva.org) is a registered national, not-for-profit organization, established as the voice for the burgeoning Canadian vaping industry. Founded in 2014, the CVA represents over 300 retail and online vaping businesses in Canada.  Our membership does not include tobacco companies or affiliates. The association is the primary liaison with the federal and provincial governments on all legislative and regulatory issues related to the industry. The primary goal of CVA is to ensure that government regulation is reasonable and practical, through the strategy of professional proactive communication and education supplied bilingually to health officers, media, and elected officials.

SOURCE The Canadian Vaping Association

Health Experts Warn Black Friday Shoppers About Wireless Devices for Kids with National #PracticeSafeTech Campaign

(November 21, 2019) - Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, doctors and scientists warn parents about their children’s safety when choosing wireless holiday gifts. Leading think tank Environmental Health Trust (EHT) is promoting safer use of cell phones, laptops and iPads. EHT urges parents and grandparents not to buy their children so-called “smart” phones or watches or other wireless toys as holiday gifts. 

“I spent my whole career in the technology sector. I’ve seen some tremendous benefits. I’ve also seen if not used properly technology can be harmful. I believe the way we deploy wireless devices today is harmful,” said Frank Clegg, former President of Microsoft Canada and CEO of Canadians For Safe Technology. 

“Parents might be preparing to buy their child a smartphone, virtual reality headset, wearable fitness tracker,  or Wi-Fi toy, yet they are unaware that these devices expose their children to radiofrequency wireless radiation,” stated Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of EHT.

A 2015 survey four years ago found that on average American children get their first cellphone when they're only 6 years old. A recent report from Common Sense says teens now spend more than six and a half hours per day on screens.

"The scientific evidence is now clear and compelling. We need to give our children toys and tools to grow and learn, not toys and tools which could harm them.  The Cincinnati Children's study found higher screen time associated with underdeveloped brain regions in preschoolers- the very parts of the brain that support language and literacy skills, imagery and executive function,”said Dr. Devra Davis, EHT President. 

“Young children learn and love best through face to face connections. We want to spread the message of healthy use of technology this holiday season,” stated Davis.  EHT’s holiday campaign encourages parents to become informed about how to minimize children’s screen time and use technology in safer ways because published research associates wireless radiation exposure to memory damage, behavioral problems and cancer.

EHT has developed Super-Smart and Safe Technology Tips and factsheets for parents looking for common sense recommendations to navigate this holiday shopping season and ensure their children are safe and healthy.

Seven Super-Smart and Safe Technology Tips for shoppers:

1. Infants need cuddles and laps (not iPads and Apps)
2. Choose real books and imaginative hands-on toys for young children instead of screens. Ideas include building materials and toys/dolls for creative play.
3. If technology is a must have then 1. buy safer tech with wired capability -instead of wireless- and 2. always use Airplane/Flight Mode with the device on a table (not lap) if  handing a screen to a child.
4. Be aware of toys that expose your child to wireless radiation.
5. Cell phones are not safe for children and they are not toys.
6. Get serious about managing screen time for yourself and for your family
7. Spread awareness to your friends and family

 

Holiday gifts that expose your children to wireless radiation

• Cell phones and smartphones
• Smart watches
• Virtual reality headsets
• Wireless headsets
• Wi-Fi or cell phone connected dolls and stuffed animals
• Wi-Fi Tablets
• Wireless gaming systems
• Wirelessly-operated drones
• Virtual assistant speakers
• Wearable tech like fitness trackers

Environmental Health Trust Factsheets for Parents:

Holiday Alert SmartPhones And Wi-Fi Toys

Epic Holiday Toy Recommendations

Wi-Fi and Smartphone Factsheet

Family Factsheet Reducing Exposures at Home

Medical Recommendations and Scientific Imaging of Children and Wireless

Compilation of Factsheets[1]  Online

Over 800,000 Canadians are experimenting with recreational or illegal cannabis products for their health

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2019 /CNW/ - According to Statistics Canada, there are 811,000 Canadians taking recreational or illegal cannabis products for their health without a doctor note/prescription. These are not products that have been approved by Health Canada as over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) or natural health products (NHPs). Until Health Canada changes the law that prevents the manufactures of OTCs and NHPs from seeking their approval, they never will be.

Consumer Health Products Canada recognizes that cannabis is being embraced as a health product globally.  Right now, Canada has an opportunity to demonstrate to the world how to manage, in an evidence-based manner, the risks associated with recreational cannabis use while supporting research into its potential health benefits.

Not all cannabis ingredients are addictive. Cannabidiol (CBD) which is found in both recreational cannabis and hemp has been recently studied by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO (2018) CBD Critical Review Report of their Expert Committee on Drug Dependence concluded, "in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential". Cannabis ingredients that are shown to have no addiction potential should be regulated the same way as any other OTC or NHP. However, Health Canada has not recognized the WHO's conclusions. This has led to potential medicines being sold as recreational products, putting Canadians at risk as they are forced to take treatment into their own hands.

Medicines should not be sold next to recreational products. The current government approach is forcing health-seeking Canadians into retail models designed to sell recreational products. For many, this represents an unwelcome exposure to recreational cannabis. Health Canada must continue to safeguard the well-being of all Canadians, including those that are seeking cannabis health products. Regulation of these products utilizing the existing framework for OTCs and NHPs will help ensure that consumers seek access to medical experts such as pharmacists in the appropriate retail setting. This is an important part of the safe, effective use of these products and in enabling Canadians to make informed decisions.

OTC and NHP regulations have long provided Canadians with protections, which do not exist for recreational cannabis. Most importantly, every product goes through an approval process with Health Canada where evidence must demonstrate that the product's health benefits outweigh any risks to the consumer. This is a fundamental protection within health product law, which would enable approved cannabis health products, like CBD, to be sold where other medicines are sold. 

The strong interest in cannabis-derived health products represents an important opportunity to leverage existing laws. Mitigating the public health implications of recreational cannabis use should start with providing Canadians safe and effective cannabis derived health products where other medicines are sold.  

To view our full policy position and additional recommendations please visit:
https://www.chpcanada.ca/wp-system/uploads/2019/11/Canabis-position-statement.2019.pdf

SOURCE Consumer Health Products Canada/CHP Canada

Servier Canada and Innovative Medicines Canada Announce Scholarship to the CHUM's School of Artificial Intelligence in Health

MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Servier Canada and Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) announced today, a $50,000 scholarship for the School of Artificial Intelligence in Health (SAIH) of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) through the Fondation du CHUM. IMC has dedicated $25,00o to the School, in honour of outgoing IMC Board Chair and Servier Canada CEO Frédéric Fasano. In addition to IMC funding, Servier Canada has made a matching pledge of $25,000.

"This scholarship, provided in recognition of Mr. Fasano's service to our industry, will enable SAIH to expand its reach and generate greater awareness among healthcare professionals and their stakeholders about the opportunities of applying AI technologies towards better patient outcomes," said Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada.

Launched in November 2018, SAIH has over 1,500 students and nearly 20,000 people have participated in its activities. Created in partnership with more than 150 stakeholders, SAIH trains practitioners working in or for the healthcare field, including partners or companies working directly or indirectly for the well-being of patients. The school enables its community to develop and apply AI to healthcare; to measure its impacts on patients, care teams, and the health system; and to expand knowledge and skills internationally.

"The SAIH is the first of its kind. It is a bold combination of education, research and innovation programs developed to accelerate the integration of AI in healthcare for the benefit of the population. We believe in the value of collective intelligence and in the power of innovation. With this grant from IMC and Servier Canada, the SAIH will be able to further connect healthcare and AI stakeholders through education and innovation initiatives. It will help generate and disseminate knowledge and support our community," added Nathalie Beaulieu, director of SAIH.

"I am extremely proud to support the pioneer work of SAIH, which supports and accelerates the transformation of healthcare through application of AI technologies," said Mr. Fasano. "AI has the potential to shift the paradigm in terms of early detection of diseases, quicker diagnosis, faster identification of drug candidates, faster patient recruitments in clinical trials and development of personalized medicines." 

Following every two-year term, as a symbol of thanks to its outgoing chair, Innovative Medicines Canada presents a scholarship to the institution of his/her choice. Mr. Fasano served as Chair of IMC from 2017 to 2019.

ABOUT SERVIER CANADA

Servier Canada is an affiliate of the Servier Group, an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France. Servier is committed to therapeutic progress to serve patient's needs. In Canada, Servier works assiduously to provide patients and the medical community, innovative therapeutic solutions in the fields of Oncology, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic venous disease as well as Diabetes.  Servier Canada partners with various players in the life science ecosystem including researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and innovators. In addition, the International Center for Therapeutic Research (ICTR) located in Laval, leads preclinical and clinical development activities in Canada. More information is available at www.servier.ca

ABOUT INNOVATIVE MEDICINES CANADA

Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.

ABOUT FONDATION DU CHUM

Its mission is to provide a complementary source of funding for the CHUM. The support of a foundation is required in order for a healthcare institution to have the capacity to expand its local, national and international reputation and influence, and to accelerate its technological developments. The Fondation du CHUM serves as a catalyst and a driving force in carrying out the CHUM's mission, with its numerous initiatives, fundraising activities and its capital fundraising campaign.

SOURCE Servier Canada Inc.