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34 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 13, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Citizens to have input on drug policies Citizens are being given a chance to provide input into Ontario's prescription drug policies. The provincial government says it is the first time in Canada a citizens' council is being created to learn what everyday Ontarians think about its drug-funding decisions. The council will be composed of 25 Ontarians representing a crosssection of ages, cultures and regions within the province. "With new drugs constantly coming to market and limited public funds available, drug-funding decisions have become increasingly complex. The citizens' council will provide a real voice to Ontarians by engaging them in an open process that will help to shape the future direction of Ontario's drug policy," stated a provincial government press release about the new council. Council members will be expected to express their opinions as members of the public and not represent the view of any interest group or organization. Members will be paid $150 per day with the council's chair getting $225 per day. The council is to be modeled after the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Citizens Council in the United Kingdom. Council members will serve a three-year term, with one-third stepping down every year. The initial council members will be appointed for terms of two, three or four years. There will be approximately two council meetings per year, each for a maximum of three days. The executive officer is expected to respond publicly to the council's report within 30 days, including explaining what will happen as a result of the council's input. All meeting agendas and the council's report will be a public. Applications to become a member of the council must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30. Government officials say it is not necessary for applicants to have a background in health care or any special knowledge about the pharmaceutical industry. The goal of the council is to learn what Ontarians think about drug-funding decisions. For information or to apply, go to www.health.gov.on.ca and access the link to the council. The Regional Municipality of Halton GUELPH www.halton.ca HALTON HILLS Open House and Information Session 25 Halton Region Greenlands Securement Strategy (GSS) 401 Rd. 5 Side N Road eles Ste e. Av Cam pbell ville Campbellville 1 28 MILTON land. Halton Region intends to reach this goal through partnerships with conservation groups working to protect 6 Derry Rd. Line 25 407 Tremaine Rd. ne Guelph Li 5 Appleby QEW QEW QEW BURLINGTON OAKVILLE TO BRAMPTON TO MISSISSAUGA HAMILTON Lake Ontario TO TORONTO Date: Program: Location: Thursday, June 26, 2008 9 a.m. ­ 7:30 p.m. Open House (drop in at any time) 7:30 ­ 9 p.m. Presentation and Q&A Halton Region Museum (Hearth Room ­ 1st Floor) Kelso Conservation Area 5181 Kelso Road 28, Milton 905-875-2200 or 1-866-422-5866 ext. 7935 www.halton.ca/museum www.halton.ca/greenlands follow the presentation. Carolyn DeLoyde Coordinator Children's Water Festival grows in 2008 Halton Region is proud to partner with Conservation Halton in presenting the third annual www.haltonchildrenswaterfestival.com. Halton Regional Meeting Schedule June 18 activity centres. Gary Carr Regional Chair 130608