[IPSM] Telling the truth about Tar Sands Cancer rates? Expect to fight...

[Macdonald Stainsby]

The doctor who does not speak of treating both the symptom and the cause
of disease is one who sees your lung cancer and does not tell you to quit
smoking, or who offers you a beer while explaining you have liver failure.

This doctor-- John O'Connor-- is getting the backlash of a desperate
attempt to quash the story as to what is being done, as always, by
Canadian colonialism to indigenous nations that get in the way of
industry. This time, however, the "industry" is the largest industrial
plan in the history of human life on planet earth, with the possible
exception of the Pyramids many thousands of years ago.

Rather than treating the massive death rates occuring to the nations
living in and around Fort Chipewyan,it is much much easier to treat the
doctor. Attack him, sue him, break his credibility, take him to court--
all of that is not only good business sense, it is the only possible
reaction for many of the oil corporations who have no clue (since it isn't
possible) how to take tar sand oil without destroying the land and people
who live with it.

All anti-colonial organizations and environmental movements should support
Dr. O'Connor, a brave man whose only weapons have been the words of truth
about a quiet petrocidal assault on the health of people living downstream
of the projects.

Those who support him among indigenous governments are even those who
support the existence of the tarsands. The truth must win out. We must
support Dr. John O'Connor against the threats to shut him down, through
pressure tactics and more that will only increase if we do not give him
support and he is left to stand alone.

Macdonald

Alberta doctors support outspoken peer

Last Updated: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | 1:11 PM CT
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/03/27/oconnor-ama.html

The Alberta Medical Association has passed a unanimous motion supporting a
doctor at the centre of an environmental controversy in northern Alberta.

In February, Health Canada officials filed a complaint against Dr. John
O'Connor, who raised concerns about high rates of cancers and other
illnesses in a community downstream from Alberta's oilsands developments.

Dr. Gerry Keifer, the Alberta Medical Association's president, said Monday
that doctors have a right to voice concerns.

"We want to make sure the federal minister of health and public
authorities are aware of a physician's professional obligation and his
right to speak out when he observes something."

A letter of support for O'Connor has been sent to the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, as well the the federal and provincial
health ministers, Keifer said.

O'Connor alerted the media last year to what he believed was a
disproportionately high incidence of colon, liver, blood and bile-duct
cancers in patients who live in Fort Chipewyan, a small community
downstream from major petroleum refineries.

In filing the complaint against O'Connor with the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Alberta, Health Canada did not explain the action, but
said the doctor was causing undue alarm.

First Nations back O'Connor

The complaint has made O'Connor a celebrity of sorts. His name is
mentioned at environmental rallies and on internet blogs. Opposition
parties, both federally and provincially, have taken up his cause, as have
First Nations leaders.

Chief Jim Bouchier, who speaks on behalf of the Athabasca Tribal Council
that represents the five First Nations in northeastern Alberta, said
O'Connor repeated concerns First Nations people have raised for years.

"In our estimation, Dr. O'Connor is doing things in the best interest of
his patients," he said.

"Health Canada as well as other health care providers in the region have
failed in their duty and responsibility with respect to ensuring that the
interests of the First Nation people are taken care of."

Health Canada still won't talk about why it thinks O'Connor is unduly
raising concern, while O'Connor can't talk until the complaint with the
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta is resolved.



--
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada/
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope.
--Brecht.


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--
Macdonald Stainsby
http://independentmedia.ca/survivingcanada/
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope.
--Brecht.