The Provincial Government is celebrating the work of environmental public health public sector employees by proclaiming September 25 to October 1, 2023 as Environmental Public Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This year’s theme, “standing up to protect everyone’s health each and every day,” recognizes the vital work of environmental public health professionals, who protect residents by ensuring safe and healthy environments.
Environmental public health professionals have a wide range of responsibilities including food safety inspections, monitoring the bacteriological quality of drinking water and carrying out health-related inspections of child care facilities, schools, personal care homes and long-term care facilities, as well as recreational facilities. They are certified to enforce public health legislation, ensuring that water, air, food, land and facilities in this province are safe. Their work is vital to ensuring access to good food, clean water, and quality education, all key social determinants of health that impact well-being.
The Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) is a national professional association that works to protect the health of all Canadians by providing certification, education and ongoing professional competencies to environmental public health professionals.
Quotes
“The Provincial Government is pleased to recognize Environmental Public Health Week. This week, we thank our environmental public health professionals for their dedication and professionalism. Their work ensures that our restaurants, child care facilities, workplaces, and more remain safe.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“This week we highlight the important work of public sector employees in the environmental public health field who play a pivotal role in protecting the health and well-being of our families and communities. We recognize and appreciate your dedication and commitment to enhancing the lives of residents in our province each and every day.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“I am glad to have the opportunity to thank our environmental health officers, who are indispensable to public health. The public does not often get to see them, but their work is essential to maintaining healthy, vibrant, resilient communities.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald
Chief Medical Officer of Health
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Learn more
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
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