Brain Injury Association of Canada asks "Where is Canada's injury prevention strategy?"

Oct 6 2008

The Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC) is asking Canadians to speak with political candidates and elected members of Parliament about the lack of development of a national injury prevention strategy. The 2008 federal election period is a most opportune stage to bring this need forward for discussion.

Treating preventable injuries costs Canadians $14.7 billion per year. This price is putting Canadian business at an economic disadvantage, lowering our standard of living, and putting the publicly funded health care system at risk. BIAC asks Canadians to ask our politicians whether they believe supporting a national injury development strategy is worth the lives that could be saved.

BIAC competes for limited public and private funds, working to develop initiatives aimed at saving Canadians from preventable injuries specifically brain injuries. Efforts include:

• Wipe Out, a documentary highlighting the consequences of brain injuries through the eyes of extreme sport accident victims
• Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada (June)
• Bursary program to assist survivors in pursuing post-secondary education opportunities
• Hawaiian Oyster Odyssey fundraisers help fund prevention and awareness programs, promote research, and provide education and networking for brain injury survivors
• A national conference for brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers to attend presentations and workshops offered by health professionals
• A website and newsletter dedicated to brain injury issues

As for changing the law to save Canadians, Bill C-412, as submitted by Doctor Hedy Fry, MLA for Vancouver Center, is presently before Parliament. The new law would amend the Hazardous Products Act, and prohibit the sale of winter sport helmets in Canada which do not meet the latest Canadian Standards Association criteria. To further this effort BIAC has established www.mostisnotenough.ca a website designed to inform the public about Bill C-412. The website also serves as a direct way to contact those politicians who can make Bill C-412 a reality.

Canada's federal election campaign provides Canadians a vital opportunity to speak to legislators and candidates; and while telling our leaders what we want from them, ask if they support Bill C-412, and explain how important brain injury prevention is to everyone.

http://www.biac-aclc.ca