Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiITK hopes the implementation of the Framework will result in betterlung health for Inuit in the near

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami(ITK) hopes the implementation of the Framework will result in betterlung health for Inuit in the near future". -Mary Simon, President, InuitTapiriit Kanatami."The National Lung Health Framework reflects the importance ofidentifying issues that are important to Aboriginal Canadians. TheFramework has involved an inclusive and welcoming process involvingseveral Aboriginal organizations along the way and is a great model forthe planning and development stages for other partner organizations thatare in the process of developing their own frameworks and ensuring thatthe Aboriginal voice is heard throughout the process" - Dr. MalcolmKing, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples'Health, National Lung Health Framework Steering Committee Member."AstraZeneca Canada is very excited about the potential the National LungHealth Framework Action Plan presents. Developed by stakeholders acrossthe country, this system-wide plan will help address key gaps in themanagement and treatment of respiratory disease in Canada, ultimatelyhelping patients lead fuller and more productive lives". - Mark Jones,President & CEO, AstraZeneca Canada Inc."As a former provincial Minister of Health, I can well appreciate thechallenges and opportunities facing our health care system.

In my view,the National Lung Health Framework is exactly what Canada needs to moveforward in tackling some of the toughest issues surrounding lung health.Education, prevention and innovation are the keys to a 21st centuryhealth care system - the National Lung Health Framework will help us getthere!" - Dr. Dennis Furlong, former New Brunswick Minister of Health."Reducing the incidence, severity and impact of respiratory illness inCanada has been a long-standing priority for GlaxoSmithKline. We couldnot work to achieve this goal without partnering with groups like theCanadian Lung Association, who have done a tremendous job in advocatingfor support from the federal government to create the National LungHealth Framework. Collectively, we can now strive to implement thestrategies needed to advance respiratory health to the benefit of allthose living with lung disease in this country" - Paul Lucas, Presidentand CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. "The National Lung Health Framework willallow us to work with other stakeholders to explore new ways to fightasthma and its triggers such as indoor and outdoor air pollution andsecond hand smoke. The Framework is a made in Canada solution that willgo a long way to helping us lower rates of asthma among all ages!" -Christine Hampson, President, The Asthma Society, National Lung HealthFramework Steering Committee Member."COPD is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Canada withmore than 10,000 Canadians who will die this year alone from thisdevastating disease - with the National Lung Health Framework we cancontinue finding new treatment options and therapies designed to help the3 million people struggling with this debilitating disease. The NationalLung Health Framework is good news for patients with COPD - it willaccelerate the pace of new discoveries in Canada and ensure thatCanadians with this disease receive the best and the most cutting-edgetreatment to ensure their health and well-being!" - Dr.

Donald Sin,Canadian Research Chair in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, AssociateProfessor, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia JamesHogg iCAPTURE Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research."The right to breathe clean air is something we all must protect. TheNational Lung Health Framework is something long needed in Canada to helpprotect this right and to ensure clean air, and in turn, good lung healthfor all. Clean Air Champions (CAC), a national charity, has been a partof the Framework since its inception and we are proud to play a role inits development. CAC focuses on educating and inspiring Canadians to getactive for cleaner air and healthier bodies. Our Champions, national teamathletes, Olympians and Paralympians rely on their lungs for their sportcareers and are directly impacted by poor air quality.

The audiences ourChampions reach across Canada are primarily youth - many who are greatlyimpacted by poor lung health, such as juvenile asthma, that is worsenedby poor air quality. The need for the Framework for these and other manyother reasons has never been stronger and I am excited to be part of itsimplementation across Canada". - Deirdre Laframboise, Executive Director,Clean Air Champions, National Lung Health Framework Steering CommitteeMember."The importance of developing key strategies within the National LungHealth Framework to address the critical areas of indoor and outdoor airquality issues cannot be over stated. The incorporation of evidence-basedpeer-reviewed research studies, along with education, communication,outreach and advocacy, is key in improving the air we breathe for the sixmillion Canadians who suffer from lung disease". - Kenneth Maybee, Chairof Environmental Issues, The Canadian Lung Association."The National Lung Health Framework is the first strategy in Canada thatwill improve the lung health of Canadians. There are many lung healthfactors and risks that people are not aware of. The Framework willprovide Canadians with essential information and tools to increaseawareness, knowledge and an understanding of lung health issues so theyare aware of the associated risks and can manage and improve theiroverall health".

- Peter MacKenzie, Lung Cancer Canada, National LungHealth Framework Steering Committee Member."I believe the National Lung Health Framework will increase thevisibility of lung disease. Health care professionals will have improvedaccess to best practice information and resources. As a result, peopleliving with lung conditions and their families will have improved care.They will also have access to more community and facility supports. Lunghealth is vital to the well-being of every Canadian, after all, "when youcan't breathe, nothing else matters." - Cheryl Winger, RN BScN CRE,Past-Chair Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals, Brandon RegionalHealth Authority.Media Backgrounder: How the $10-million injection of funds willkick-start The National Lung Health Framework Action Plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------The National Lung Health Framework is a "made in Canada" action plan toimprove lung health.