Health Minister Chester Gillan today announced that January 15 to 21 is Environmental Public Health Week in Prince Edward Island, recognizing the valuable work of Public Health Inspectors. Environmental Public Health Week is a national campaign by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) to recognize the vital role of all Environmental Public Health Professionals across Canada, and the importance of environmental public health programs in our health care system.
“Environmental Health Officers, also known as Public Health Inspectors, are dedicated professionals who are committed to promoting and protecting public health,” says Minister Gillan. “Many Islanders know that our local Environmental Health Officers inspect places such as restaurants, child care facilities, nursing homes and swimming pools but it is important to note that these professionals also work diligently to educate the public on many issues relating to public health.”
Luc Erjavec, Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Vice President for Atlantic Canada, notes that food safety is a top priority for the food service industry. “The strong working relationship between the industry and Environmental Health Officers ensures that full food safety controls are in place to protect the health of consumers,” says Erjavec.
Environmental Health Officers are certified by the Board of Certification of CIPHI. “The certification process guarantees that the highest standards for entry into the profession are met,” says Ryan Neale, Environmental Health Officer, PEI Department of Health, and PEI Councillor for the local CIPHI Branch. CIPHI also provides ongoing opportunities for professional development that are necessary to address many of the challenges from our environment that can affect human health.
“Environmental Health Officers play a key role in protecting Islanders from the harmful effects of second hand smoke and ensuring tobacco products are not accessible to youth,” says Dawn Binns, Executive Director, Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division.
“Their contribution to tobacco control and health promotion on PEI makes a difference in the fight against cancer.”