Government Of Canada Launches Television Advertising On Infection Prevention In Partnership With Provinces And Territories

Sep 21, 2009

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Sept. 21, 2009 – The Government of Canada, in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, has launched a national television ad promoting infection prevention behaviours to prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced today. The ad is available at: http://www.fightflu.ca”This 30-second television ad is a clear example of the commitment of all levels of government to provide Canadians with the information they need to protect themselves,” Minister Aglukkaq said. “By working together, we are maximizing the reach and impact of our advertising, and avoiding costly duplication. This initiative also gives smaller jurisdictions access to television advertising that they may not have been able to invest in otherwise,” she said.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care produced the ad and the Public Health Agency of Canada is paying for it to air on television stations across Canada. The ad encourages Canadians to wash their hands, cough into their arm and keep common surfaces clean to prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu.

“The ad will ensure that all Canadians receive the same messages on infection prevention behaviour,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones. “These simple, yet effective, infection prevention behaviours will contribute to preventing the spread of H1N1,” he said.

The ad will run in English and French markets across Canada for four weeks starting September 21, including Aboriginal and northern television stations to reach First Nations and Inuit populations.

The television advertising is the latest element in the Government of Canada’s multi-media, multi-phased Citizen Readiness Marketing Campaign. Since it was launched in May, the campaign has featured print, in-transit, radio and internet advertising as well as the use of social media (Facebook and Twitter). The Citizen Readiness Marketing Campaign will continue through the Fall with additional activities.

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For more information, please contact

Media Inquiries:
Office of Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Josee Bellemare
613-957-0200

or

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-941-8189