08/25/2010

Selkirk, Manitoba – James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake applauds the landmark decision taken by doctors across the country to call for stricter labelling on tanning beds. The Canadian Medical Association passed the resolution yesterday at their annual General Council meetings in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Earlier this year, Bezan tabled Bill C-497 in the House of Commons that will require larger radiation warning labels on tanning beds placed in areas on the bed where they can clearly be seen by users. It will draw a clear link between tanning beds and cancer and recommend that persons under 18 avoid use. Neither is included in current labels.

“This decision by the Canadian Medical Association and doctors across the country shows that Canadians need to know the cancer risks of tanning,” said Mr. Bezan. “By strengthening warning labels on tanning beds to encourage limited use of tanning beds, Bill C-497 will help achieve this goal.”

Specifically, the General Council of the Canadian Medical Association passed two resolutions dealing specifically with indoor tanning:

-       That the CMA calls for banning use of indoor tanning facilities for those under 18

-       That the CMA calls on governments to require signage in tanning facilities outlining carcinogenic potential and other health risks

“This landmark decision represents a growing consensus on tanning and cancer risks,” said Mr. Bezan. “When Parliament returns in the fall, I will continue to push for these changes and I thank the Canadian Medical Association and the doctors of Canada for their support on this issue.”

Bezan’s initiative has received support from doctors and professional associations across Canada including the Canadian Dermatology Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Medical Association, the Save Your Skin Foundation, and the Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association.