Environmental Health Officers, also known as Public Health Inspectors, across the Island are being recognized this week for their valuable work in public health and safety. January 18 to 24 is designated as Environmental Public Health Week across the country, a national campaign headed by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
“These individuals play an extremely important role in supporting the Chief Health Office and are committed to promoting and protecting public health and safety,” said the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness. “They ensure the well-being of Islanders through education, consultation and routine inspections of public and private services and facilities. I would like to recognize and thank them for their tremendous and valuable work.”
Luc Erjavec, Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association Vice President for Atlantic Canada, noted 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,” said Ryan Neale, Environmental Health Officer, PEI Department of Health and Wellness and PEI Councillor for the local CIPHI Branch.
Recently, CIPHI developed a set of competencies that are specific to the field of environmental public health. Environmental Health Officers across the country will now have to satisfy the competency requirements on a yearly basis in order to maintain their certification.
CIPHI also provides ongoing opportunities for professional development to help address many of the challenges from our environment that can affect human health.