Seize opportunity to commit to child and youth health, doctors urge government

OTTAWA — The Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Medical Association and the College of Family Physicians of Canada are urging the federal government to act quickly on the recommendations in a report released yesterday by federally-appointed Advisor on Healthy Children and Youth, Dr. K. Kellie Leitch.  

“This report hones in on some of the most important problems facing young Canadians,” said Dr. Gary Pekeles, President of the Canadian Paediatric Society. “The federal government has an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of children and youth by acting on Dr. Leitch’s recommendations.”  

The CPS, CMA and CFPC are urging the government to provide the leadership to kick-start action on the many priorities described in the report, and to work with non-governmental organizations, communities, and the many other Canadians consulted by Dr. Leitch in her research.  

“The CFPC welcomes the increased focus of the federal government on children’s health,” said Dr. Ruth Wilson, President of The College of Family Physicians of Canada. “The priority items identified by Dr. Leitch in her report—injury, obesity, and mental health—are affecting our children and youth and it’s time to work collaboratively to improve the outcomes of these conditions. We hope that Minister Clement will act now and support this report with a timely plan of action.”  

The key recommendations in Dr. Leitch’s report echo longstanding calls from child and youth health advocates, including developing a National Injury Prevention Strategy for children and youth, and improving access to mental health services for children and youth and establishing a wait time strategy for paediatric mental health.  

“Improving the health of Canada’s children means improving our future and we commend Dr. Leitch for her report and the federal government for commissioning it,” said Dr. Brian Day, President of the Canadian Medical Association. “We trust that the government will immediately act on this excellent report and commit to providing adequate resources and accountability so that the office and advisor can do its job.”  

Investments and informed public policy in child and youth mental health and injury prevention have the potential to net huge gains—both human and financial. About 14% or 1.1 million Canadians under 20 suffer from mental health conditions that affect their daily lives. And unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1 through 14 years.  

Dr. Leitch’s report reflects the spirit of Canada’s Child and Youth Health Charter, developed by the CMA, CPS and CFPC with input from more than 100 advocates who gathered in Ottawa in April 2007.

A National Office of Child and Youth Health, which Dr. Leitch recommends establishing within Health Canada, will provide a focal point for ensuring widespread and lasting change.  

“The Canadian Paediatric Society also reiterates its call for a federal Commissioner for Children and Youth—an independent voice that will ensure that the views and needs of children and youth are considered in all relevant national public policy decisions,” said Dr. Pekeles.  

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national association that advocates for the health needs of children and youth. It represents more than 2,600 paediatricians and other health professionals.  

The Canadian Medical Association comprises over 67,000 physician members and serves to unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.  

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) represents 20,200 members across the country. It is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training, certification and lifelong education of family physicians and for advocating on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians and their patients. The CFPC accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada’s 17 medical schools.