Andrew
09-08-05, 04:04 PM
Contributed by: whelan costen
Canadian Action Party’s Proposal for Health Issues in Canada
Including but not limited to –Autism, Infectious Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Childhood Vaccines – Research, Access to treatment, prevention and cure for Canadians
Prepared by Catherine Whelan Costen, Vice President and Candidate
The Canadian Action Party takes a firm stand on the quality of life for all Canadians from birth to natural death. We believe that government’s role is to provide protection from hazards to our health, including environmental, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural. We also believe that it is in our best interest for the government to encourage doctors, researchers and the medical community to explore health issues seeking cause, prevention, treatment and cures in a timely manner, while ensuring that access to information and treatment is available, affordable and safe.
Although the previous statement may seem logical and obvious, we believe that Health Canada has not provided these key elements in this area in the best interest of Canadians. We need serious changes to the influences on Health Canada, regarding regulations, testing, and approval of products available to Canadians. We need independent researchers, to work diligently for cures to some of the life changing, disabling and often preventable illnesses. Approximately 1 in 8 Canadians live with disabilities. (Canadian Health Network)
Many Canadians have lost faith in Health Canada’s ability or willingness to protect our health. Recent years have revealed some flaws in the system. The contaminated blood supply causing the spread of AIDS and Hepatitis is one example, the SARS epidemic, the controversy over the safety of childhood Vaccines, changes to standards on Vitamins and Minerals availability, dosage and access, the new CODEX regulations, Smart Regulations which eliminates Canada’s testing requirements in some cases and relies on another country’s. Vioxx and other medications being allowed on the market without proper clinical trials, is another. These are some of the more public exposure to a flawed system. How many more are hidden?
It is in the best interest of our nation to create an atmosphere where the pursuit of a healthy society is a basic necessity. We are not suggesting perfection, as that is neither attainable nor desirable. A healthy functioning society is the backbone of the nation. All other aspects of our lives depends on our health. The ability to learn, to work, to contribute to society is dependant on the level of individual health. Each family member that is unhealthy or stricken with various illnesses, disabilities etc. adds to the costs of healthcare services, primary care givers, education systems, housing needs, and most importantly takes an enormous amount of time and energy from the families affected. Certainly we must accept that some illnesses or diseases are not within the human ability to cure or treat, but science has come a long way and many of today’s illnesses are treatable, and cures are on the horizon. The key element missing is the political will to invest money and support to the task. The question laying bare on the table is why or more critically, why not?
People living with disabilities are finally gaining some measure of inclusion and respect, however there is much work to be done in this area. There may even be people who accept their physical challenges and chose not to seek medical intervention and that should be their choice. But for those who desire a cure, or treatment which offers hope for a better quality of life, they should be supported and treatment should be available and affordable in Canada.
Approval of treatments and/or cures, should not be instituted without proper independent clinical trials, in Canada. We must remove the ties that bind medicine to profit alone. We must return to the old adage, ‘do no harm’ primarily, before we subject people to potential hazards, on the premise of healthcare. Canadians must not be used as guinea pigs for new technology or experimental drug therapy.
There are several illnesses which are impacting greatly on Canadians and which are not receiving significant research attention, or examining potential cures, treatments etc which are in some cases available in other countries, and which force patients to travel outside of Canada to seek treatment. This is an enormous expense, usually borne entirely by the patient or their family, not to mention the hardship of traveling with a disability or illness. We can do better. We must do better!
Canadian Action Party has been informed that these health concerns,(among others) are not receiving the attention they deserve:
1 Autism Spectrum Disorders (affects one in 300 individuals in Canada)
2 Chronic Fatigue (no known cause, no cure, no accepted treatment)
3 Fibromyalgia( no known cause, no cure, no accepted treatment)
4 Attention Deficit Disorder ( varying opinions on cause, cure and treatment protocol)
5 Vaccine side effects research, prior to implementation and use or after
We have contacted various groups, the medical community, McGill University Researchers to ask them for their input. We will continue to do so. The primary focus for many is to find ways to live with their illness, to maintain some form of ‘normalcy’ and adapt to their disabilities. We believe that more can be done. In our attempts to find solutions especially for Autism in Canada, our research led us to Dr. John Martin a researcher at CCID. His findings are shocking, disturbing and also full of hope, if we act today! We believe that drug side effects, vaccine contamination results, and the approval process all deserve immediate investigation by independent sources, not influenced by pharmaceutical companies.
In part a quote from their website:
The Center For Complex Infectious Diseases introduction on their website is as follows,
‘The primary mission of CCID is to determine the nature, origin, disease associations, modes of transmission, methods of diagnosis and responses to therapy of complex infectious diseases, and to disseminate such information. CCID is currently specializing in the detection and characterization of viruses which have undergone a "stealth" adaptation to avoid elimination by the immune system.
It has now been scientifically proven that stealth viruses do, indeed, exist and can be at the root of many multi-system neuro-degenrative illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, autism and other diseases causing behavorial changes.
CCID's focus is away from the clinical categorization of illnesses into such entities as CFS, FM, MCS, psychosis, etc. Patients are viewed as having multi-system illnesses due to persisting stealth viral infections. Treatments are directed towards suppressing the virus and correcting the metabolic derangements caused by these infections. Integration of laboratory and pharmacy provides a good foundation for appropriate, approved and scientifically valid clinical trials.’
The Canadian Action Party is recommending that Health Canada act on behalf of Canadians by doing clinical trials without delay. We believe that our government ought to encourage and support the pursuit of truth regardless of where it leads. We believe that society has the right to be told when infectious diseases are a threat and assist us in fighting them. If ‘epidemic’ means, ‘affecting many people at one time’, according to Webster’s Dictionary, we clearly have several epidemics affecting Canadians and our government ought to be doing everything in their power to combat it.
In response to the growing number of childhood illnesses, rising rates of cancers and diseases which affect children and adults, and which are creating everything from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, to complete immobility in some cases, we recommend that Health Canada, become independent and pursue the protection of Canadians from chemicals, food additives, genetically modified foods, unsafe medications and vaccines, toxins, as well as environmental risks to our health. After all, is that not what Canadians expect our health department to do?
We recommend that Health Canada attract the very best researchers and medical doctors to work in Canada to perform clinical trials and seek cures to these and other threats to our health, and to encourage our youth to pursue careers in the medical and science disciplines.
We recommend that the government of Canada support through the Canada Health Act access to treatment options available, and fund them through Health Canada. We recommend the government adopt treatment from other countries, with proven positive results, after proper Canadian testing has been complete, in a timely manner, thereby removing the burden and expense of travel for treatment.
While we agree that childhood obesity is a major health concern, we believe that there are significant numbers to support more being done in the area of Autism and infectious disease. Again, we must look at our environment, food supply and education system to address the rise in obesity in our youth. A quote from the Health Minister:
‘According to Statistic Canada’s findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 26 percent of Canadian children and adolescents aged two to 17 were overweight or obese in 2004. Between 1978 and 2004 the obesity rate among 12-17 year olds increased from three percent to nine percent. “Childhood obesity has tripled over the past two decades,” said Minister Dosanjh. “Obesity is a serious and complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research that will help find solutions.”’
Read more: www.muhc.ca/media/news/?ItemID=16255
Most of the disabilities or illnesses listed above and many others, are lacking in real treatment, leaving patients to seek out experimental treatment on their own and sometimes with dire results. The majority of resources on these issues are parent driven support groups, attempting to find solutions on their own to their concerns. This type of networking is very constructive, however our government owes these people a health system which prevents such floundering in the face of health threats.
The Canadian Action Party believes that the current status quo is unacceptable, that more can and should be done and that by electing members to government who understand the issues, and are committed to serving Canadians’ needs, we as a country can be leaders in research into cause, treatment, prevention and cures. It is crucial, critical and above all the right thing for responsible government to do on behalf of her people. It is time for the medical community to return to its rightful place in society, to be driven to cure, to prevent and to treat patients with respect and dignity. We need to remove all opportunity for exploiting the public at large for the pursuit of profits first, safety last! In order to allow the medical community the freedom to do so, we must legislate whistle-blower protection that ensures those who know the dangers are not prevented from exposing them because of undue influence or duress.
References and Sources:
Center for Complex Infectious Diseases - www.ccid.org/
From Health Canada Infectious Disease
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/bid-bmi/dsd-dsm/nb-ab/2004/n
Canadian Health Network
www.canadian-health-network.ca/servlet/ContentSe
www.autism.net/
www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/170/10/1525-a?maxto
From the Canadian Medical Association Journal www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/164/2/223?maxtoshow
www3.sympatico.ca/jfroache/fms1.html
www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/27691.html
Complete text of article can be found at: http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php/20050907214756891
Canadian Action Party’s Proposal for Health Issues in Canada
Including but not limited to –Autism, Infectious Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Childhood Vaccines – Research, Access to treatment, prevention and cure for Canadians
Prepared by Catherine Whelan Costen, Vice President and Candidate
The Canadian Action Party takes a firm stand on the quality of life for all Canadians from birth to natural death. We believe that government’s role is to provide protection from hazards to our health, including environmental, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural. We also believe that it is in our best interest for the government to encourage doctors, researchers and the medical community to explore health issues seeking cause, prevention, treatment and cures in a timely manner, while ensuring that access to information and treatment is available, affordable and safe.
Although the previous statement may seem logical and obvious, we believe that Health Canada has not provided these key elements in this area in the best interest of Canadians. We need serious changes to the influences on Health Canada, regarding regulations, testing, and approval of products available to Canadians. We need independent researchers, to work diligently for cures to some of the life changing, disabling and often preventable illnesses. Approximately 1 in 8 Canadians live with disabilities. (Canadian Health Network)
Many Canadians have lost faith in Health Canada’s ability or willingness to protect our health. Recent years have revealed some flaws in the system. The contaminated blood supply causing the spread of AIDS and Hepatitis is one example, the SARS epidemic, the controversy over the safety of childhood Vaccines, changes to standards on Vitamins and Minerals availability, dosage and access, the new CODEX regulations, Smart Regulations which eliminates Canada’s testing requirements in some cases and relies on another country’s. Vioxx and other medications being allowed on the market without proper clinical trials, is another. These are some of the more public exposure to a flawed system. How many more are hidden?
It is in the best interest of our nation to create an atmosphere where the pursuit of a healthy society is a basic necessity. We are not suggesting perfection, as that is neither attainable nor desirable. A healthy functioning society is the backbone of the nation. All other aspects of our lives depends on our health. The ability to learn, to work, to contribute to society is dependant on the level of individual health. Each family member that is unhealthy or stricken with various illnesses, disabilities etc. adds to the costs of healthcare services, primary care givers, education systems, housing needs, and most importantly takes an enormous amount of time and energy from the families affected. Certainly we must accept that some illnesses or diseases are not within the human ability to cure or treat, but science has come a long way and many of today’s illnesses are treatable, and cures are on the horizon. The key element missing is the political will to invest money and support to the task. The question laying bare on the table is why or more critically, why not?
People living with disabilities are finally gaining some measure of inclusion and respect, however there is much work to be done in this area. There may even be people who accept their physical challenges and chose not to seek medical intervention and that should be their choice. But for those who desire a cure, or treatment which offers hope for a better quality of life, they should be supported and treatment should be available and affordable in Canada.
Approval of treatments and/or cures, should not be instituted without proper independent clinical trials, in Canada. We must remove the ties that bind medicine to profit alone. We must return to the old adage, ‘do no harm’ primarily, before we subject people to potential hazards, on the premise of healthcare. Canadians must not be used as guinea pigs for new technology or experimental drug therapy.
There are several illnesses which are impacting greatly on Canadians and which are not receiving significant research attention, or examining potential cures, treatments etc which are in some cases available in other countries, and which force patients to travel outside of Canada to seek treatment. This is an enormous expense, usually borne entirely by the patient or their family, not to mention the hardship of traveling with a disability or illness. We can do better. We must do better!
Canadian Action Party has been informed that these health concerns,(among others) are not receiving the attention they deserve:
1 Autism Spectrum Disorders (affects one in 300 individuals in Canada)
2 Chronic Fatigue (no known cause, no cure, no accepted treatment)
3 Fibromyalgia( no known cause, no cure, no accepted treatment)
4 Attention Deficit Disorder ( varying opinions on cause, cure and treatment protocol)
5 Vaccine side effects research, prior to implementation and use or after
We have contacted various groups, the medical community, McGill University Researchers to ask them for their input. We will continue to do so. The primary focus for many is to find ways to live with their illness, to maintain some form of ‘normalcy’ and adapt to their disabilities. We believe that more can be done. In our attempts to find solutions especially for Autism in Canada, our research led us to Dr. John Martin a researcher at CCID. His findings are shocking, disturbing and also full of hope, if we act today! We believe that drug side effects, vaccine contamination results, and the approval process all deserve immediate investigation by independent sources, not influenced by pharmaceutical companies.
In part a quote from their website:
The Center For Complex Infectious Diseases introduction on their website is as follows,
‘The primary mission of CCID is to determine the nature, origin, disease associations, modes of transmission, methods of diagnosis and responses to therapy of complex infectious diseases, and to disseminate such information. CCID is currently specializing in the detection and characterization of viruses which have undergone a "stealth" adaptation to avoid elimination by the immune system.
It has now been scientifically proven that stealth viruses do, indeed, exist and can be at the root of many multi-system neuro-degenrative illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, autism and other diseases causing behavorial changes.
CCID's focus is away from the clinical categorization of illnesses into such entities as CFS, FM, MCS, psychosis, etc. Patients are viewed as having multi-system illnesses due to persisting stealth viral infections. Treatments are directed towards suppressing the virus and correcting the metabolic derangements caused by these infections. Integration of laboratory and pharmacy provides a good foundation for appropriate, approved and scientifically valid clinical trials.’
The Canadian Action Party is recommending that Health Canada act on behalf of Canadians by doing clinical trials without delay. We believe that our government ought to encourage and support the pursuit of truth regardless of where it leads. We believe that society has the right to be told when infectious diseases are a threat and assist us in fighting them. If ‘epidemic’ means, ‘affecting many people at one time’, according to Webster’s Dictionary, we clearly have several epidemics affecting Canadians and our government ought to be doing everything in their power to combat it.
In response to the growing number of childhood illnesses, rising rates of cancers and diseases which affect children and adults, and which are creating everything from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, to complete immobility in some cases, we recommend that Health Canada, become independent and pursue the protection of Canadians from chemicals, food additives, genetically modified foods, unsafe medications and vaccines, toxins, as well as environmental risks to our health. After all, is that not what Canadians expect our health department to do?
We recommend that Health Canada attract the very best researchers and medical doctors to work in Canada to perform clinical trials and seek cures to these and other threats to our health, and to encourage our youth to pursue careers in the medical and science disciplines.
We recommend that the government of Canada support through the Canada Health Act access to treatment options available, and fund them through Health Canada. We recommend the government adopt treatment from other countries, with proven positive results, after proper Canadian testing has been complete, in a timely manner, thereby removing the burden and expense of travel for treatment.
While we agree that childhood obesity is a major health concern, we believe that there are significant numbers to support more being done in the area of Autism and infectious disease. Again, we must look at our environment, food supply and education system to address the rise in obesity in our youth. A quote from the Health Minister:
‘According to Statistic Canada’s findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 26 percent of Canadian children and adolescents aged two to 17 were overweight or obese in 2004. Between 1978 and 2004 the obesity rate among 12-17 year olds increased from three percent to nine percent. “Childhood obesity has tripled over the past two decades,” said Minister Dosanjh. “Obesity is a serious and complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research that will help find solutions.”’
Read more: www.muhc.ca/media/news/?ItemID=16255
Most of the disabilities or illnesses listed above and many others, are lacking in real treatment, leaving patients to seek out experimental treatment on their own and sometimes with dire results. The majority of resources on these issues are parent driven support groups, attempting to find solutions on their own to their concerns. This type of networking is very constructive, however our government owes these people a health system which prevents such floundering in the face of health threats.
The Canadian Action Party believes that the current status quo is unacceptable, that more can and should be done and that by electing members to government who understand the issues, and are committed to serving Canadians’ needs, we as a country can be leaders in research into cause, treatment, prevention and cures. It is crucial, critical and above all the right thing for responsible government to do on behalf of her people. It is time for the medical community to return to its rightful place in society, to be driven to cure, to prevent and to treat patients with respect and dignity. We need to remove all opportunity for exploiting the public at large for the pursuit of profits first, safety last! In order to allow the medical community the freedom to do so, we must legislate whistle-blower protection that ensures those who know the dangers are not prevented from exposing them because of undue influence or duress.
References and Sources:
Center for Complex Infectious Diseases - www.ccid.org/
From Health Canada Infectious Disease
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/bid-bmi/dsd-dsm/nb-ab/2004/n
Canadian Health Network
www.canadian-health-network.ca/servlet/ContentSe
www.autism.net/
www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/170/10/1525-a?maxto
From the Canadian Medical Association Journal www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/164/2/223?maxtoshow
www3.sympatico.ca/jfroache/fms1.html
www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/27691.html
Complete text of article can be found at: http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php/20050907214756891