On the Canadian Front

[rothenbj]

Found this in the comments on Siegel's blog and thought it worth bringing over here-

CITIZENS AGAINST GOVERNMENT ENCROACHMENT: PLAYING WITH WORDS - HEALTH CANADA'S REPLY TO OUR LATEST APPEAL TO RECONSIDER THEIR STAND ON E-CIGARETTES

All other nicotine containing products, other than naturally sourced nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, etc, have been assessed under the Food and Drug Regulations. Currently since all approved nicotine products are now non-prescription drugs they fall under the Natural Health Products Regulations. However, nicotine intended for an electronic cigarette is not exempted from prescription status. Accordingly, market authorization must be granted by Health Canada prior to the importation and sale of these products in Canada. In this regard, Health Canada’s approach is in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.

You wouldn't want a safer more effective product interfering with the profits of either BP OR BT NOW, WOULD WE?

 

[Eddie.Willers]

That sucks, big time!

But it's not so surprising is it?

 

[rothenbj]

Follow up comments brought up the Lalonde Doctrine, a 1974 document from the then Canadian Minister of Health and Welfare.

the Lalonde Doctrine in Action: the Campaign Against Passive Smoking

It more or less spells out where science was pushed to the realm of "political science", for the good fight.

"In 1974 Marc Lalonde, Canada's Minister of National Health and Welfare, proposed that health promotion policy should ignore the uncertainties and ambiguities of scientifc evidence in order to make its messages `loud, clear and unequivocal'."

It makes you understand why data would be cherry picked to produce the desired results.

 

[Vocalek]

You might like to read this article: The truth about science : The Lancet

 

[rothenbj]

Interesting article Elaine- science for funding and headlines for ratings.