Joint Letter of Intent Regarding Cooperation between the Department of Health of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in the Field of Health for the Period 2007 - 2011

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The Department of Health of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, hereafter referred to as the "Participants",

Wishing to expand cooperation in health and integrate collaboration in a number of areas;

Recognizing the importance of human health in national development;

Desiring to expand their exchanges in the fields of health policies and population and public health approaches in a spirit of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit;

Convinced that cooperation in expanding these exchanges will develop further good relations and collaboration between the health sectors in their respective countries;

Being aware that lasting relations between the two countries will require collaboration between Canadian and Australian health institutions based on regular and ongoing exchange mechanisms;

Have identified a number of subjects for future collaboration such as:

1. Health Care Access

A significant focus for Canada and Australia is the timely and equitable access of their citizens to appropriate health care. Both countries will share their perspectives on reducing wait times. The two countries can benefit from the exchange of information and best practices related to the management of wait times and larger system reforms to improve access focused on a number of key areas such as health human resources, evidence-based research and e-health.

2. Health and the Environment

In both Canada and Australia, there is recognition of the link between human health and the physical environment. Each federal government has policies and programs aimed at reducing environmental hazards. Opportunities are sought to share best practices and identify common challenges in addressing environmental health issues around the assessment and management of toxic substances and chemicals. In addition, the two countries will seek to collaborate on approaches to address specific concerns of vulnerable groups, including children.

3. Cancer Strategies

Canada and Australia are responding to the need to promote health and to prevent and control cancer in order to reduce the burden on health care systems. Each country has made major new investments in cancer prevention and control. Improved knowledge can support innovation as decision-makers strive to stay current with the growth of new knowledge and breakthroughs in health promotion, cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Canada and Australia have mutually decided to work together by sharing knowledge and best practices regarding cancer strategies.

4. Other potential areas of future cooperation

Areas of future cooperation may include, but are not limited to:

• Health of Indigenous People;
• Provision of Services to Rural and Remote Areas;
• Pharmaceutical Policy; and
• Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

Means of Cooperation and Activities

The Participants will cooperate with a view to encouraging and facilitating mutually acceptable contacts, exchanges and cooperation between government agencies, health institutions, specialists, scientists and health professionals in the field of health by:

1. participating in congresses, meetings, conferences and symposia in the Participants' respective countries;
2. facilitating the exchange of the Participants' respective scientists, clinicians and other health professionals, as well as best practices and health information;
3. promoting cooperation between the Participants' respective health associations and health institutions; and
4. promoting direct cooperation between research institutions in the Participants' respective countries on mutually selected subjects.

Action Plan

The Participants will work together to develop an Instrument which will:

1. confirm the subject matters with respect to which mutually acceptable exchanges and cooperation will be pursued; and
2. set out how those exchanges and cooperation will occur over the duration of this Letter of Intent.

Timetable and Administrative Arrangements

Expert missions will be organized to advance this Joint Letter of Intent and to establish a timetable for its application. The sending country will pay international travel and in-country costs, accommodation and other incidental expenses incurred by its representatives. The sending country will also be responsible to ensure that its representatives have proper medical and emergency travel insurance in case of accident or illness.

Coming into Effect and Duration

This Joint Letter of Intent will come into effect upon the date it has been signed by both signatories and will remain in effect until the 31^st day of December 2011. It can be renewed by mutual consent of the Participants.

A Participant may withdraw from this Joint Letter of Intent by providing ninety (90) days advance written notice to the other Participants.

This Joint Letter of Intent may be amended in writing by the Participants upon a decision by mutual consent to that effect.

This Joint Letter of Intent is not intended to create legally binding obligations among the Participants either under domestic or international law.

Signed in duplicate in Sydney on this 6^th day of June, 2007, in the English and French languages, each version being equally valid.