Pubdate: Thu, 14 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: B1

HEALTH CANADA SEEKS DOCTORS' SUPPORT IN ANTI-MARIJUANA AD CAMPAIGN

OTTAWA - As the Conservatives repeatedly attack Liberal Leader Justin
Trudeau over his support for the legalization of marijuana, the
federal government has asked three groups representing Canadian
doctors to endorse a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign warning
about the drug's health risks for young people.

Health Canada has approached the Canadian Medical Association, the
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of
Family Physicians of Canada asking them to sign on to the broadcast
advertising campaign, scheduled to launch sometime in the fall.

The organizations would not be required to fund the ad campaign,
estimated to cost $ 5 million, but their logos and endorsements would
appear in them, according to a source familiar with the proposal.

The ad campaign could also expose the Conservatives to allegations
they are using government money and Health Canada's brand to undermine
a political opponent, in the guise of public health awareness.

The campaign comes as the Conservative Party runs its own attack ads
alleging Trudeau's approach to legalization would make it easier for
children to obtain pot.

The Tories have also repeatedly cited Trudeau's marijuana position in
email campaigns , even though recent polls show Canadians warming to
the idea of liberalizing marijuana laws.

Trudeau has suggested the government regulate and tax the sale of
marijuana, similar to regulated beer and liquor sales, and says this
will help keep the drug away from children.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada has agreed to have its
addiction medicine committee review television ads and other materials
to ensure they are accurate and reflect concerns about how the drug
can affect adolescents, said Eric Mang, CFPC's director of health
policy and government relations.

"Family physicians are comfortable about talking about the health
risks of marijuana for teens," Mang said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt