The Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) and the Community and Population Health Research Training Program (CPHR) are collaborating on a national conference to be held in Regina at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre from November 12-14, 2008.  Entitled "New Directions in Population Health Research: Linking Theory, Ethics and Practice," the conference will explore recent innovations and existing or emerging trends in population health research and practice as they relate to reducing health disparities for particular communities or populations.   

The conference will provide an opportunity for academic and community researchers, policy makers and practitioners from across the country to highlight the current state of population health research in Canada and abroad.

"This conference will be an opportunity for all of us to learn from one another," says Dr. Bonnie Jeffery, director of SPHERU.  "The critical role of health research in finding solutions to address important health issues such as northern and Aboriginal health and women's health are just a few areas that will be discussed."

André Picard, author of three books, Critical Care: Canadian Nurses Speak For Change, The Gift of Death: Confronting Canada's Tainted Blood Tragedy and A Call To Alms: The New Face of Charity in Canada will deliver the keynote address entitled "Getting Population Health Noticed: Barriers & Opportunities" on Nov. 12 at 7:15 p.m. in the Canadian Ballroom.

Picard is one of Canada's top public policy writers.   He has received many awards and is the public health reporter at the Globe and Mail.

The Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, author of Kill or Cure? How Canadians Can Remake their Health Care System, will deliver the opening plenary address entitled "The Politics of Population Health" on Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the Canadian Ballroom.

Prior to Dr. Bennett's election as a Member of Parliament she was a family physician.  In 2002, she was the recipient of the coveted EVE Award for contributing to the advancement of women in politics and in 2003 received the first ever CAMIMH Mental Health Champion Award.

Other topics to be address at the conference include income inequality and health; effects of obesity on wages and depression amongst pregnant women.

SPHERU engages in population health research - the study of social factors contributing to the
well-being of various groups within the population. SPHERU conducts evaluation research and promotes health equity by addressing health disparities through policy relevant research. CPHR is an innovative post-graduate training initiative with an interdisciplinary approach to population health research. CPHR focuses on creating new health knowledge and applying research findings through partnerships with community constituencies, community-based organizations, policy makers and government.

For further information and a detailed program, visit http://www.spheru.ca/news-items/cphr-spheru-conference-2008 or contact Dr. Tom McIntosh, Conference Planning Committee Chair, via email, Tom.McIntosh@uregina.ca.  To register or to set an interview / media appointment, visit http://www.cntgrp.ca/ or contact Claire Belanger-Parker, Conference Planner, at (306) 535-9991 or claire.belanger-parker@cntgrp.ca.