Press Releases

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2009) - A recent media story incorrectly described the application of national security concerns to documents released under the Canada Evidence Act.

The notion of impact on national security is defined according to the three-part test established by the Federal Court of Appeal in the case of Ribic v. Canada (Attorney General)(2003)185 C.C.C. (3d) 129 (F.C.A.).

Government agencies identify sensitive information by having their experts vet the relevant documents to identify national security concerns. Officials from the Department of Justice National Security Group then assess their submissions.

Officials apply the same test as would the Federal Court:

1. First, the officials must determine whether the information sought to be disclosed is relevant or not to the litigation. If not, it is not necessary to proceed any further.

2. Second, the officials must determine whether the disclosure of the information would be injurious to international relations, national defence or national security.

3. Third, if the officials conclude that the disclosure of the information would result in injury, they must determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs in importance the public interest in non-disclosure.

The Department of Justice must balance the claim of injury that may be caused by the release of the information against the public interest of disclosing the information.

Version francaise disponible


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Office of the Minister of Justice
        Pamela Stephens
        Press Secretary
        613-992-4621

        Department of Justice
        Media Relations
        613-957-4207
        www.canada.justice.gc.ca

Source: Department of Justice Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/06/09 -- A recent media story incorrectly described the application of national security concerns to documents released under the Canada Evidence Act.

The notion of impact on national security is defined according to the three-part test established by the Federal Court of Appeal in the case of Ribic v. Canada (Attorney General)(2003)185 C.C.C. (3d) 129 (F.C.A.).

Government agencies identify sensitive information by having their experts vet the relevant documents to identify national security concerns. Officials from the Department of Justice National Security Group then assess their submissions.

Officials apply the same test as would the Federal Court:

1. First, the officials must determine whether the information sought to be disclosed is relevant or not to the litigation. If not, it is not necessary to proceed any further.

2. Second, the officials must determine whether the disclosure of the information would be injurious to international relations, national defence or national security.

3. Third, if the officials conclude that the disclosure of the information would result in injury, they must determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs in importance the public interest in non-disclosure.

The Department of Justice must balance the claim of injury that may be caused by the release of the information against the public interest of disclosing the information.

Version francaise disponible

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of Justice
Pamela Stephens
Press Secretary
613-992-4621

Department of Justice
Media Relations
613-957-4207
www.canada.justice.gc.ca

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The FDA has approved new technology that now allows radiologists to detect breast cancer sooner and faster. The SonoCine Automated Whole-breast Ultrasound Method and is being offered by only one facility in Arizona - Arizona Breastnet, in Scottsdale. This unique technology is designed specifically as a breast cancer screening tool to enhance yearly mammography screening. Until now, ultrasound has only been used for diagnostic purposes - not for screening for breast cancer.

A new study, published in European Radiology, found that adding the SonoCine automated whole-breast ultrasound exam to the annual mammogram doubled the number of cancers found in a group representing approximately 40% of all women seeking annual mammograms. This contrasts with previous studies which have examined the use of additional tests only on women with significantly elevated risks of developing breast cancer.

Local radiologist, Belinda Barclay-White, MD, is the first physician to offer this technology in Arizona, and has already experienced its powerful capabilities.

According to Dr. Barclay-White, "87% of all breast cancers are found in women who have none of the traditional risk factors, such as family history. There have been many studies done on women with the BRAC1 and BRAC2 breast cancer gene and other risk factors, but not much is being done for relatively normal women for whom the mammogram does not always provide a complete picture."

In women with dense breasts, mammograms are more difficult to interpret because it can be difficult to 'see through' the dense tissue, which appears white on the mammogram. Cancerous lumps also appear white, so they become invisible and difficult to differentiate. The SonoCine Method can detect small cancers because the dense breast tissue appears white while cancerous tissue appears dark. It also takes an ultrasound video of an entire patient's breast exam, instead of just single pictures, so it can be stopped, can be magnified and the radiologist can even go back and forth to be sure nothing is missed.

"It is not a replacement for screening mammography, but an additional exam for women with dense breasts and for some women with breast implants," explains Dr. Barclay-White. "There are relatively few radiologists trained to offer screening ultrasound as part of the breast screening process, even though the advantages are many. It is less expensive than MRI, there are no contrast injections, no radio nuclide injections, no radiation and no breast compression. In experienced hands, we do not have the high false positive biopsy rates we see with MRI. When cancers are found with ultrasound, they are significantly smaller than when they are eventually visible on mammograms, making treatment outcomes very positive."

Since acquiring SonoCine, Breastnet has found two breast cancers. One was not visible on the mammogram or on a recent MRI and was not present on an ultrasound 15 months prior. Barclay-White performed a screening SonoCine UltraSound on the patient and found a 5mm invasive non-palpable ductal carcinoma. "Early detection really does save lives and to find this type of cancer at such a small size is significant when we are talking about patient outcomes," according to Barclay-White.

Patients at Arizona Breastnet, who are candidates for SonoCine UltraSound, are happily adding this screening tool to their yearly mammogram program for added peace of mind, even though it is not covered by insurance. All women should be made aware that it is now available and should check to see if they are candidates for the exam. The cost is $300.

About Breastnet:

Arizona Breastnet LLC. was founded in 1998 by Dr. Belinda Barclay-White, who has been practicing radiology in Phoenix since 1983. Breastnet specializes in medical conditions related to the breast. Dr. Barclay-White has gained a reputation as an expert mammographer among general surgeons, breast surgeons, gynecologists and primary care physicians, and has acquired a following of patients in the Valley for whom she has diagnosed breast cancer and other various breast conditions. Patients meet with her at the time of the appointment and she reviews the exam with them so they no longer have to worry, wonder and wait for results.

About SonoCine:

SonoCine automated whole breast ultrasound is a computer-guided scanning system that uses sound waves to image different tissue structures. It is the same technology expectant mothers use to see their unborn babies and involves no radiation or injections. There are a limited number of systems being offered to physicians in the US and SonoCine asked Dr. Barclay-White to be one of the first centers of excellence because of her reputation as an expert in the detection of breast cancer.

Arizona Breastnet, 8994 E. Desert Cove Ave, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260. More information can be found at www.AZBreastnet.com

SOURCE Arizona Breastnet LLC

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 12/06/09 -- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health, joined by Pamela Fuselli, Executive Director, Safe Kids Canada and Anu Bose, Head of Ottawa Office for Option Consommateurs, will hold a press conference and provide remarks on Bill C-6, the proposed Consumer Product Safety Act.

Minister Aglukkaq will be available to answer questions from the media following her remarks.

Media are invited to attend. If you are unable to participate in person, please call:

North American Dial-In #: 877-413-4804

Int'l/Local Dial-In #: 613-960-7521

Passcode/Conference I'd #: 4037360

Date:     Monday, December 7, 2009

Time:     10:00 a.m. EST

Location: Health Canada
          Room 0115C (Departmental Board Room)
          Basement, Brooke Claxton Bldg.
          Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON

Contacts:
Health Canada
Media Relations
613-957-2983

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

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2009) - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health, joined by Pamela Fuselli, Executive Director, Safe Kids Canada and Anu Bose, Head of Ottawa Office for Option Consommateurs, will hold a press conference and provide remarks on Bill C-6, the proposed Consumer Product Safety Act.

Minister Aglukkaq will be available to answer questions from the media following her remarks.

Media are invited to attend. If you are unable to participate in person, please call:

North American Dial-In #: 877-413-4804

Int'l/Local Dial-In #: 613-960-7521

Passcode/Conference I'd #: 4037360

Date:     Monday, December 7, 2009

Time:     10:00 a.m. EST

Location: Health Canada
          Room 0115C (Departmental Board Room)
          Basement, Brooke Claxton Bldg.
          Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Health Canada
        Media Relations
        613-957-2983

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

Source: Health Canada