Media Alert - "Best Care. Best Health. Best Value. From Consensus to Action" the focus of CMA's 145th Annual Meeting in Yellowknife, N.W.T

YELLOWKNIFE, Aug. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Close to 300 physician delegates from across the country converge today in Yellowknife, N.W.T for the start of the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) 145^th annual meeting. Delegates will discuss ways that Canada can address health gaps within the population so no one gets left behind.

The meeting will start with an address from the Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq at St. Patrick High School. A special lecture will be given by Sir Michael Marmot, international leader on health equalities and social determinants of health. The meeting's first strategic session will focus on what physicians can do to promote health equity in Canada.

Program highlights for Monday, Aug. 13:

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. MDT
Ceremonial Opening of General Council

8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. MDT
Address by Federal Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. MDT
Special Lecture: Fair Society, Healthy Lives
Sir Michael Marmot, international leader on health equalities and social determinants of health

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MDT
Strategic Session #1 - Physician Role in Health Equity
This session will explore issues and directions on the required future work in the area of health equity.

Media availability

A press conference will be held at St. Patrick High School (Room 216) from 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. MDT. CMA president Dr. John Haggie, Dr. Gail Beck, French spokesperson, and guest speaker Sir Michael Marmot will be available to answer questions.  Media members attending in person are asked to register at the media office upon arrival at St. Patrick High School (Rooms 128-129).

Reporters will also be able to participate by teleconference by dialing 416-340-2217 / 866-696-5910 (pass code: 9322564). Those wishing to take part are asked to register 15 minutes prior to the start of the press conference.

More details on the CMA's 145^th General Council meeting can be found at www.cma.ca/media-guide-gc2012.

SOURCE: CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

For further information:

Lucie Boileau
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association
Aug 11-15: 867-766-7859  Cell: 613.447.0866
[e-mail]

Dominique Jolicoeur
Communications Officer, Canadian Medical Association
613 731-8610 | 800-663-7336 ext. 2038
Aug 11-15: 867-766-7859 Cell: 613.809-5669
[e-mail]