Canada's Doctors Make Vancouver Park Donation

Canadian Medical Association promotes healthy, active living at annual meeting

Ottawa, August 21, 2007 - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) donated $5000 today to the Vancouver Active Communities (VAC) initiative, a key component of the "ActNow BC" provincial program aimed at getting 20 per cent more Vancouver citizens active by 2010. The donation was presented by CMA and British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA) Presidents in Vancouver at the CMA General Council to the Vancouver Park Board to commemorate the fifth anniversary of CMA's Walk the Doc program.

"Walk the Doc encourages physicians to be active and to lead by example" said Dr. Colin McMillan, CMA President. "Our program helps to keep doctors healthy - and this in turn benefits our patients. "Today's donation," he added "is part of Canada's doctors' investment in the health and well being of Canadians. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the VAC initiative, and applaud their efforts to promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices for their community."

A popular recreation activity at CMA events and meetings, Walk the Doc was launched to help physicians maintain their own health and well-being and maximize their ability to provide quality health care to patients.

"The City of Vancouver is leading the way in taking action to inspire, support and equip our citizens to become more physically active", said Mr. Ian Robertson, Chair, Vancouver Park Board. "The intent of this initiative is to make Vancouver one of the healthiest municipalities in the world", added Vancouver city Councillor B.C. Lee, "and we are very grateful to the CMA for their donation to help us reach our goal."

The CMA's financial contribution will support urban walking trail upgrades throughout the city of Vancouver.

For more information:
Contact: Lucie Boileau
Tel. 1800 663-7336 x1266, or 613 731-8610 x1266