Pubdate: Thu, 14 Aug 2014
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2014 Postmedia Network
Contact:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Glen McGregor
Page: A18

DOCTORS ENLISTED FOR POT WARNINGS

Health Canada Asks Associations to Endorse Ads

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 some time 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 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.

On Tuesday, the party premiered an online video highlighting Trudeau 
statements on legalization, with the closing line "Help keep 
marijuana away from our kids."

The Tories have also repeatedly cited Trudeau's marijuana position in 
e-mail campaigns aimed at shaking more money out of supporters, even 
though recent polls show Canadians warming to the idea of 
liberalizing marijuana laws.

In a pamphlet sent to constituents earlier this year, Veterans 
Affairs Minister Julian Fantino alleged that Trudeau wants to "make 
buying marijuana a normal, everyday activity for young Canadians" and 
even charged that the Liberal leader wants to allow the sale of pot 
in corner stores.

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

The request from Health Canada has made some affiliated with the 
organizations nervous about taking a public stance on what is 
becoming an increasingly partisan political issue, even if many 
physicians are concerned about pot's long-term effects on physical 
and mental health.

One source familiar with the discussions with Health Canada said 
there were concerns that getting involved could undermine an 
organization's perceived neutrality and credibility, potentially 
affecting its ability to advocate on health policy with governments 
in the future.

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 College of Family Physicians of Canada confirmed that it has 
signed an agreement with Health Canada 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.

The Royal College also confirmed its participation in an educational 
campaign, saying its involvement will be "to confirm the health 
accuracy and appropriateness of key messages and any supporting 
materials that may be developed for Canadian physicians," according 
to spokesman Tom McMillan.

The Canadian Medical Association said it is approached by third 
parties about involvement in various campaigns but does not make its 
discussions public until completed.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom