August 31, 2007

This news release is also available in Traditional and Simplified Chinese below.

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is moving forward with the development of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario by appointing Emily Cheung as the Registrar to provide guidance and support to the Transitional Council of the College, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"I would like to congratulate Emily Cheung as the new Registrar for the college," said Smitherman. "This is a big step forward towards making Ontario a leader in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and I am thrilled that Ms. Cheung will guide the new college towards achieving that goal."

"This is an important step for promoting the recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Ontario," said Michael Chan, Minister of Revenue. "I have tremendous confidence that Ms Cheung's appointment will lead to a new college that will enhance Ontario's international reputation as an innovative leader in health care."

The Registrar plays an important role in administering the affairs of the college, including its financial operations and governance policies.

"The Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario welcomes the regulation of traditional Chinese medicine and the public protection that this extends to people in Ontario. We offer our support to the College and its first Registrar, Emily Cheung," said Mary Lou Gignac, President, Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario.

Ms. Cheung has been Registrar of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario for the past 14 years, since its inception in 1993. Ms. Cheung has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Management from the University of Hong Kong.

"I want to thank the government for this wonderful opportunity to provide guidance and support to the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario," said Ms. Cheung. "The College must regulate the practice of traditional Chinese medicine in the public interest."

"I support the government's vision to make Ontario a world class centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Moving forward with the Transitional Registrar who has the experience to make this College successful is a very positive move. It shows the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture will become a reality in Ontario," said Professor Cedric Cheung, President of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada.

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario was established by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006. This college sets and enforces the standards that regulate the practice of traditional Chinese medicine in Ontario. The Act requires individuals who wish to practice TCM, practice a specialty of TCM, or call themselves TCM practitioners or acupuncturists to register and be accountable with the new regulatory college.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public :
416-327-4327, or 1-866-532-3161

TRANSLATED MATERIALS

Traditional Chinese News Release Simplified Chinese News Release

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