SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
SCIENTISTS VINDICATED AND FOOD SAFETY PROTECTED
GANANOQUE, Ont.--"This is a clear victory for Canadians. The federal government attempted to silence scientists who were telling Canadians that food safety is threatened. This court ruling establishes the right of those scientists to act in the public interest," said NFU Ontario Coordinator Peter Dowling.
Dowling was commenting on the September 5 ruling in the case of Health Canada Bureau of Veterinary Drugs scientists Margaret Haydon and Shiv Chopra. The two scientists were evaluating the safety of genetically-engineered bovine growth hormone and veterinary antibiotics. When the scientists publicly raised concerns such as illegitimate pressure from drug companies to expedite drug approval, they were reprimanded. The court ruled that they should not have been reprimanded.
The court ruled:
"Where a matter is of legitimate public concern requiring a public debate, the duty of loyalty cannot be absolute to the extent of preventing public disclosure by a government official. The common law of duty does not impose unquestioning silence."
"The rights of employees to act in the public interest and to speak clearly and publicly is paramount. This ruling goes some way to protecting that right. It is a good first step, but we need to build on this. Canada needs clear and effective protections for whistleblowers so employees can act in the public interest without fear of retribution," said Dowling.
Dowling noted that this case was especially important because it dealt with food safety. "The government has cut funding to food inspection labs, weakened drug testing, and partially turned food inspection over to the private sector. Scientists and others have told the government that its actions endanger public safety. This ruling recognizes that."
Dowling concluded: "Canadians want independent, objective scientific processes for determining food and drug safety. The scientists spoke out when they saw objective, scientific evaluations overruled by administrative approvals. We hope the federal government, rather than attempting to silence those who speak out to protect food and drug safety, will work actively to enhance Canada's Health protection system."
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For More Information:
Peter Dowling, NFU Ontario Coordinator: (613) 546-0869
Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary: (306) 652-9465
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