Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 10/02) - The 93rd annual Canadian Public Health Association conference wraps up today in Yellowknife.

It is the third time the association has ventured to Yellowknife, bringing physicians and other health professionals from all across North America to discuss such topics as globalization, smoking prevention, and aboriginal health.

Some notable speakers were also in attendance, including Dr. Nick Drager from the World Health Organization, Graham Chance from the Canadian Institute of Child Health, and Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, noted anti-tobacco crusader and founder of Smoke-Free Kids, Inc.

NWT Chief Medical Officer Andre Corriveau said the conference served to both raise the profile of the North and the health problems facing it.

"Our branch was able to influence the theme of the conference so we could bring in some of our own issues up to the national forefront," said Corriveau. Moreover, said Corriveau, the conference is an excellent recruiting ground for a Northern jurisdiction anxious to attract more health care professionals.

Corriveau noted the last time the conference was held in Yellowknife in 1992, was also his first time up North.

Within a year, Corriveau, who grew up in Montreal, was working for the GNWT.

"The people in the Department of Health really tried hard to recruit me," said Corriveau. "It took another year for me to accept to come, but the nonetheless, that's how people get to know the place."