The role of the Department of Health in the prevention and treatment of the health effects of exposure to lead and to radon.

On May 27th I asked the Minister of Health in Estimates about the role her Department is playing in the prevention and treatment of the adverse health effects of exposure to lead and to radon. My question and the Minister's response is below.

Mr. Gerrard: My next question deals with–I know there's multiple departments involved - but I would like to know what, if anything, her department is doing in terms of preventing the adverse health effects of exposure to lead and to radon, two toxic substances which are all too prevalent in Manitoba.

Ms. Gordon: I'm pleased to respond to the question posed about our department's role in preventing lead and radon.

So, our role is generally, through Public Health, to provide scientific and medical advice and advisors to departments that are more closely linked with that work, so climate and parks, and other departments. And we certainly don't want to overlap or operate at cross-purposes with the other departments.

So, that is the role of the Health Ministry is–again, Dr. Roussin quite often at the table and the discussions related to lead–

Mr. Chairperson: The hour being 12:30 p.m., committee rise.

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Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March. South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory. The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions. This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14. Manitoba ( red line ) started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then. South Dakota ( blue line ) has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4. Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations

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Too often, our homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces are designed without sufficient consideration given to how they will impact little people, those with large bodies, or those with disabilities. Manitoba should become a leader in designing and building new structures so they’re comfortable and accessible to all. Further, the province needs to do more to adapt our existing infrastructure, so that it meets everyone’s needs. The design of our built environment makes daily living a challenge for too many. A friend, who uses a wheelchair, must call ahead wherever she goes to ensure she can enter a restaurant, store, salon, etc. A young person in River Heights has a struggle each fall to make sure that with his cerebral palsy he is able to get the support he needs to do well in school. A large-bodied man I know has been bedridden for five months because he lacks access to a usable lift or wheelchair. Samantha Trubyk, President of the Little People ...

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