February 2024

New position statement: Outdoor risky play

This new statement from the Injury Prevention Committee discusses the importance of outdoor free play—especially when it includes an element of risk—for child development and for children’s physical, mental, and social health.

Are your 2023 CPSP monthly reports up-to-date?

Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) participants who responded to all 12 months in 2023 are eligible to win one of two $100 Indigo gift cards. All responses must be received by February 15. If you have cases to report for 2023, or to find out if your monthly reporting is complete, contact cpsp@cps.ca.

CPS Spring grants

The following CPS grants are open for applications until March 31, 2024:

• Adolescent Health Travel Grant
• Community Paediatrics Resident Travel Grant
• Don & Elizabeth Hillman International Child Health Grant
• Emerging Professional in Child Maltreatment Grant
• Paediatric Allergy Travel Grant
• Paediatric Respiratory Health Section Project Grant
• Oral Health Community Outreach and Research Grant

Read the latest issue of Paediatrics & Child Health

The latest issue of the journal includes articles on ADHD risk after repeated paediatric anesthesia exposure, child maltreatment detection in virtual medical appointments during COVID-19, and life-threatening events linked to non-medical cannabis use.

2024 Annual Conference: June 6-8 in Vancouver

Learn the latest diagnostic and therapeutic best practices, and earn 18.0 RCPSC MOC-1 credits during our next Annual Conference in Vancouver. Book before March 31 for discounted registration fees. Register here.

Missed a National Grand Rounds session?

These monthly webinars are recorded and available on the CPS Member Centre.

Membership News

Board of Directors: Nominations for 2024

Dr. Natasha Johnson of Hamilton, Ontario is the first candidate for Vice President. Voting members can submit additional nominations for the position until April 8.

The Leadership Development Committee is also seeking board members to represent Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. To date, the following CPS members have accepted to put their names forward:

• Sidd Thakore for Alberta
• Amy Ornstein for Nova Scotia
• Eugene Ng for Ontario

Voting members who live in these provinces are invited to nominate candidates up to April 8 to represent their region on the Board of Directors for a one-year term starting in June 2024. The CPS encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of the paediatric community. For more information, contact Dr. Ellen Wood, Chair of the Leadership Development Committee, or Marie Adèle Davis, Executive Director, at maried@cps.ca. 

Membership on the Leadership Development Committee

The CPS Leadership Development Committee selects candidates for the  Board of Directors and includes two members-at-large. If you are interested, contact Sarah Bennison at sarahb@cps.ca. Members will be approved at the CPS Annual General Meeting on June 7.

Notice: Annual General Meeting

The CPS Annual General Meeting will be held Friday, June 7, from 9 to 10:30 am in Vancouver. Motions must be submitted by April 8. For more information, contact Sarah Bennison at sarahb@cps.ca.

Paediatrics in the News

CPS position statement makes national headlines

Our new position statement on the benefits of risky play made headlines across the country, with authors Dr. Emilie Beaulieu and Dr. Sue Beno conducting over 50 interviews with national and local media.

Fewer paediatric ED visits during the pandemic did not lead to worse patient outcomes

Dr. Astrid Guttman led a study showing that fewer paediatric ED visits early on in the pandemic did not lead to worse outcomes for most children. Notable exceptions were late diagnoses of type 1 diabetes and some cancers. 

HPV cancer vaccine study demonstrates vaccine’s efficacy

A study out of Scotland found that no cases of cervical cancer have been detected in women who have been fully vaccinated as part of the country’s HPV program. Find CPS guidance on immunization against HPV here.

Careers in Paediatrics

• Edmundston Regional Hospital- Paediatricians
• Chaleur Regional Hospital- Paediatricians



Find out how to post your career ad and see other available opportunities

From corporate sponsor, MD Financial Management

Should I invest in a TFSA or leave excess funds in my corporation?

When you have excess funds in your professional corporation, you can leave the money in your corporation to invest or withdraw the funds and invest them in a personal account such as a TFSA. Here’s why withdrawing funds from your corporation to invest in a TFSA can often be the better long-term strategy.