The May 2003 Spotlight focuses on two crucial civil society components, universal health care and public education. First, Roy Romanow, Atkinson Economic Justice Fellow, delivered a powerful speech in Ottawa on May 8th. The speech, was entitled: Connecting the Dots: From Health Care and Illness to Wellbeing. The speech has two components. The former Commissioner on the future of Health Care begins his remarks with an expression of concern regarding the current and private Federal/Provincial discussions regarding his key recommendation, a Health Council of Canada. Mr. Romanow stated, that "my only hope is that Canadians will get a Health Council that has the independence and resources to provide Canadians with the facts regarding health care expenditures and results. The Council should have a manageable number of members, free of vested interest, political or otherwise. A government controlled health council will fool no one. As well, Mr. Ronamow makes a strong case for an integrated and holistic approach to the goal of becoming the healthiest nation on the planet as he speaks to those critical factors beyond the health care system, noting: "If one of you were to ask me for a list of my best tips on how to live a long live (1), here's what I would tell you: 1. Don't be poor. Rich people live longer than poor people and they're healthier at every stage in life. 2. Pick your parents well. Make sure they nurture your sense of identity and self-esteem and surround you with interesting stimuli. Prenatal and early childhood experiences have a powerful effect on later health and well-being. 3. Graduate from high school and then go on to college or university. Health status improves with your level of education. 4. Don't work in a stressful, low-paid, manual job in which you have little decision making authority or control. Poor jobs equal poor health. 5. Don't lose your job and become unemployed. Unemployed people suffer from stress and isolation and can become poorer - and remember what I said about being poor. 6. Be sure to live in a community where you trust your neighbours and feel that you belong. A civil and trusting community promotes health and life expectancy. 7. Live in quality housing, but not next to a busy street, in an urban ghetto or near a polluted river. Clean air, water and soil are vital to your health, as are the human made elements of our physical environment." Public Education is also the focus of this Spotlight. Dr. Michael Fullan, internationally noted education expert, and his team at the University of Toronto, released their final Schools We Need Report on Friday, May 9th, that points to the need to move from ideologically damaging attacks on Ontario's public education system to a constructive and sustained approach to development. They point out that, among other things, the Ontario government's recent intention to provide public education tax relief is not helpful symbolically, fiscally, or educationally. They propose a very helpful framework for developing further confidence in Ontario schools. Charles Pascal Executive Director, May 12, 2003 (1) Adapted from "An Alternative 10 Tips for Better Health", David Gordon, University of Bristol.