Health Minister Committed To Carry On Justice Campbell's Work To Better Protect Ontarians' Health

Toronto, - Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman vowed the McGuinty government will ensure Justice Archie Campbell leaves a lasting legacy through strengthening public health and better protecting Ontarians and health care workers as recommended in his reports following the SARS outbreak in Ontario.

"Ontario has lost a brilliant man who was dedicated to serving the public good," Smitherman said. "Justice Campbell's thorough, insightful and unbending work in investigating the outbreak of SARS in the province four years ago has helped our government make unprecedented public health reforms."

"His legacy will be a better-prepared provincial government that can respond more effectively to the next public health emergency, ensuring the safety of Ontarians and health care workers," Smitherman added.

Justice Campbell, who died yesterday at the age of 65, released his third and final report on the SARS outbreak last January. He was too ill to attend the release of that report which explores the SARS crisis and future public health emergencies, and makes recommendations focusing, in particular, on health care worker safety and strengthening the public health system.

SOURCE: Ontarians' Health