MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2007

Citizens group protests incoming CMA president's private clinics

WHAT:

The Council of Canadians and public health care supporters will be using incoming Canadian Medical Association (CMA) president Dr. Brian Day's own words to show how he supports health care privatization. Quotes like: "I do not support the principles of the Canada Health Act" and "Accept economic reality and introduce user fees" show how Dr. Day really feels about the public health care system.

A small group of concerned citizens will be on hand to publicly protest Dr. Day's instalment as CMA president on the weekend at the CMA's annual meeting, which is being held in Vancouver. The group will use signs and distribute information outside of the private, for-profit Specialist Referral Clinic, where Dr. Day is Medical Director.

In a press conference on Thursday, the Council of Canadians demanded that B.C. Health Minister George Abbott investigate both the Specialist Referral Clinic and the Cambie Surgery Centre for possible violations of the Canada Health Act and BC Medicare Protection Act.

WHEN/WHERE:

Friday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Outside the Specialist Referral Clinic, at the Cambie St entrance to City Square mall at Cambie St and W. 12th Ave.

WHO:

Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada's largest citizens' organization, with members and chapters across the country. The organization works to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians.

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For more information, contact: Jan Malek, Communications Administrator: cell: 613-851-1483; or Carleen Pickard, BC Regional Organizer cell: 604-340-2455.

Visit profitisnotthecure.ca for live updates from Vancouver and to download fact sheets.