I'm enjoying the "rally" re: health promotion/disease prevention (Personally
I've come full circle on this one - I use to stamp my feet up and down about
a difference - now it all seems more grey and inter-related than it ever did
before.)

A brief comment on the minister appointment, and Howard's message re:
premier's authority.

Its been my experience that authority is much over-rated - especially in a
world still dominated by a competitive approach to power (exactly why the
pharmaceutical industry involvement in the WHO work is so transparent to
me).  The others of us just kind of look on and smile politely when we hear
of such appointments. :)  My cheers to the new Minister, and my support to
the health promoters there.

Theresa Schumilas
Director
Family and Community Resources
Community Health Department
Region of Waterloo, Ontario
Canada

email:  [log in to unmask]
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>
>When I have been involved in strategic planning in health ministries, or
>producing vision statements etc, it has always seemed to me that the only
>member of cabinet responsible for the things which determine health
>is the premier. Only the premier has influence over the necessary range
>of items - finance, social services, culture, municipal affairs etc.  To
>dump the job elsewhere may be little more than relieving from accountability
>the only one with the authority to acheive anything!
>
>Howard Platt, M.B.,Ch.B.,
>These are my own opinions and may not be those of my employer.
>
>