Community water fluoridation (Motion #22-16)

Moved by Kirwan – Meikleham. Approved by the Sudbury & District Board of Health, April 20, 2016.

WHEREAS tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in Canadian Children; and

WHEREAS water fluoridation is the most cost-effective, safe and internationally recognized method to prevent dental decay and to ensure that citizens receive the benefits of reduced dental decay; and

WHEREAS children living in fluoridated communities in Ontario have less tooth decay than children living in non-fluoridated communities and the effect tends to be maximized among children from lower socioeconomic groups; and

WHEREAS dental treatment costs are substantially higher than the costs of preventing dental disease; and

WHEREAS a recently introduced bill by a Member of Provincial Parliament supports community water fluoridation, and calls for changes to the Fluoride Act and other relevant legislation to support mandatory fluoridation of municipal drinking water; and

WHEREAS the decision on April 11, 2016 of the Council of the Township of Nairn and Hyman to discontinue the practice of fluoridating its community water supply is expected to result in a negative impact on the oral health among residents; and

WHEREAS the Sudbury & District Board of Health has consistently supported the principle and administration of community water fluoridation in Sudbury and districts;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health reaffirm its support for community water fluoridation and advocate for the implementation of provincial regulation mandating community water fluoridation; and

FURTHER THAT this motion be shared with relevant area municipalities, dental associations, community stakeholders, boards of health, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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This item was last modified on August 29, 2016