A leader in health policy
As the Minister of National Health & Welfare, Marc Lalonde received international recognition as the co-author of "A New Perspective on the Health of Canadians.” Considered a masterpiece in Health Care Policy, his publication challenged traditional views about health and urged policy makers to consider the environmental and behavioural risks threatening the health of Canadians. Today, the four cornerstones of health identified in the document - human biology, environment, lifestyle and health care organization – are integral to the development of health promotion policies worldwide. Lalonde realized the importance of research in maintaining and improving the health of Canadians, and under his enlightened leadership, national research programs flourished.
The Honourable Marc Lalonde and Dr. Maurice LeClair were jointly nominated and inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.