Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Neil Collishaw, a former federal public servant turned anti-tobacco advocate, passed away at the age of 77 after battling bladder cancer. His legacy as a key figure in the fight against smoking in Canada and around the world is one that will not be forgotten.
Collishaw’s impact on curbing smoking began during his time at Health Canada, where he helped draft legislation that restricted tobacco companies’ promotional activities. He also played a crucial role in passing laws that banned smoking in federal workplaces, trains, and airplanes. His efforts continued as the research director for Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, where he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Known for his collaborative approach, Collishaw often worked behind the scenes to help others achieve their goals. His mantra of “if you don’t worry who gets the credit, a lot can get done” exemplified his selfless dedication to the cause. Collishaw’s ability to navigate the system and his wealth of knowledge made him a highly effective advocate for tobacco control.
In addition to his work in Canada, Collishaw’s influence extended globally. He trained government officials in former Communist countries on how to combat aggressive tobacco advertising and provided support in defending anti-tobacco laws against legal challenges.
Collishaw’s commitment to storytelling was evident in his collaboration with Heather Crowe, a non-smoker who developed cancer from occupational exposure to second-hand smoke. Together, they embarked on a speaking tour to raise awareness about the devastating effects of smoking.
Neil Collishaw’s passing marks the end of an era in the anti-tobacco movement. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to public health will continue to inspire future generations in the fight against smoking-related illnesses.
Public servant who helped forge Canada’s anti-tobacco efforts dies at 77
How did Neil Collishaw contribute to anti-tobacco efforts?
Neil Collishaw played a significant role in helping draft legislation that restricted the promotional abilities of tobacco companies and outlawed smoking in federal workplaces, trains, and airplanes. He also toured Canada with a lung cancer patient to raise awareness about the health effects of second-hand smoke.
What was Collishaw’s approach to advocacy work?
Collishaw believed in getting things done without seeking credit for himself. He often worked behind the scenes, helping others figure out how to achieve their goals.
How did Collishaw work within the political system?
Collishaw worked with Health Canada during Brian Mulroney’s government to pass the Non-Smokers Health Act and the Tobacco Products Control Act. He also collaborated with a member of Parliament who introduced the Non-Smokers Health Act, providing support and resources to aid in the legislative process.
What impact did Collishaw have on international tobacco control efforts?
Collishaw worked for the World Health Organization in the 1990s, training officials in former Communist countries on how to resist tobacco companies’ aggressive advertising tactics. He also assisted in defending Canada’s anti-tobacco laws against legal challenges.
How did Collishaw use storytelling to further his advocacy work?
Collishaw worked with individuals like Heather Crowe, a waitress who won compensation for cancer caused by occupational exposure to cigarette smoke, to share personal stories that highlighted the dangers of smoking. He believed in the power of storytelling to make a more significant impact than just presenting statistics.
Neil Collishaw, a federal public servant turned anti-tobacco advocate, passed away at his home in Ottawa last week after battling bladder cancer. He was 77 years old. Throughout his career, Collishaw made significant contributions to the fight against smoking, both in Canada and around the world.
Collishaw’s journey began during his time as a bureaucrat at Health Canada, where he played a pivotal role in drafting legislation in the mid-1980s that restricted the promotional activities of tobacco companies. He was also instrumental in the passage of a separate act that banned smoking in federal workplaces, trains, and airplanes. These early efforts laid the groundwork for his later work as the research director for Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, where he continued to champion anti-tobacco initiatives.
One of Collishaw’s defining characteristics was his willingness to work behind the scenes to get things done. His friend and colleague, Cynthia Callard, recalled how he often helped others navigate the complexities of the legislative process, providing them with valuable information and support. Collishaw’s mantra, “if you don’t worry who gets the credit, a lot can get done,” reflected his commitment to achieving meaningful change, regardless of recognition.
In the 1990s, Collishaw’s impact extended beyond Canada’s borders when he joined the World Health Organization. During his time there, he trained government officials in former Communist countries on how to resist the aggressive tactics of tobacco companies. He also played a crucial role in defending Canada’s anti-tobacco laws against legal challenges, using his expertise to support lawyers in their efforts to uphold these vital regulations.
Collishaw’s dedication to the anti-tobacco cause was further exemplified in the early 2000s when he and Callard worked with Heather Crowe, a non-smoker and former waitress who had developed lung cancer due to occupational exposure to second-hand smoke. Collishaw accompanied Crowe on a speaking tour across Canada, shedding light on the devastating health effects of tobacco use and emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling in raising awareness.
As Ottawa city councillor Theresa Kavanagh, who was related to Collishaw by marriage, noted, Collishaw understood the power of connecting with people on a personal level. By sharing real-life stories of individuals affected by tobacco-related illnesses, he was able to convey the human impact of the tobacco industry’s practices, going beyond mere statistics to evoke empathy and understanding.
Collishaw’s legacy lives on through his tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to public health. His efforts have left an indelible mark on the fight against tobacco use, inspiring others to continue the work he started. As we remember Neil Collishaw, we honor his dedication to creating a healthier, smoke-free future for generations to come.
Sources:
1. [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/neil-collishaw-anti-tobacco-advocate-dies-1.7351543)
2. [Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada](https://smoke-free.ca/)
3. [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/) Expanding can refer to several different things depending on the context. Here are a few possible interpretations:
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