Canada Insurers Launch Major Injury Prevention Campaign

Canada’s home, car and business insurers recently launched a National Injury Prevention Campaign to reinforce the message that most injuries are preventable.

The campaign will travel to many towns across the country and show Canadians what they can do to prevent injuries in the home, on the road and at play. The first stop on the campaign was Truro, Nova Scotia, where Oct. 29 to Nov. 5 has been declared Injury Prevention Week.

“It was a perfect choice to launch this major campaign here in Truro – the ‘Hub of Nova Scotia,'” said Don Forgeron, vice president, Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada. “This is a thriving community with a demonstrated commitment to injury prevention. “Our campaign is designed to build upon that commitment and bring practical support to all the good work already undertaken in the community. We look forward to joining local safety groups and emergency service providers in communicating important safety messages to people of all ages.”

Events for Injury Prevention Week in Truro will include an ice safety and rescue demo, a demonstration of proper helmet use – because it’s not enough just to wear one – and a safety expo featuring a host of activities and games about injury prevention. For those who want to test their ability to control a car, even while adjusting the radio or talking on a cellphone, the expo will feature a driver distraction simulator.

The theme for the week is Be Smart. Be Safe. His Worship, Mayor Bill Mills said the Town of Truro is pleased to be the first host community of the National Injury Prevention Campaign. “Injury Prevention Week is also an excellent opportunity to commend our local fire, police and emergency health services for their tireless commitment to safety,” he said.

Every day, about 6,000 Canadians are injured and almost 40 die as a result of their injuries. In addition to the loss of life, pain and emotional trauma they cause, these injuries cost Canadians an estimated $14.7 billion every year in health-care expenses and lost productivity.

“Canada’s home, car and business insurers have a long history of working with governments and safety organizations to make our communities safer,” said Forgeron. “From seatbelt laws and graduated licensing to campaigns against drinking and driving, insurers have always been at the leading edge of injury prevention initiatives. This campaign is a natural evolution of that tradition.”