Establishing what is True, Removing what is not factual.
A Letter: From Ted Kuntz, President of Vaccine Choice Canada To Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Public Health Officer for the Public Health Agency of Canada
| This week I wrote a letter to Dr. Joss Reimer. Dr. Reimer has just been appointed as Chief Public Health Officer for the Public Health Agency of Canada. I congratulated Dr. Reimer on her appointment and on her stated priorities of “tackling health misinformation and rebuilding public trust.” I also acknowledged the Public Health Agency of Canada’s mandate to “prevent and control chronic diseases and injuries”, and their mission of “…addressing public health priorities through science…”. I explained that these were worthy and necessary goals, especially in light of Health Canada’s misguided efforts and the dissemination of false information during the COVID event. After all the pleasantries I made my request. I explained that I was writing specifically in response to the recently released revisions to the US Centre for Disease Control website where the CDC declared that the claim that “vaccines do not cause autism” is not an evidence-based claim because studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities. I added that HHS has launched a comprehensive assessment of the causes of autism, including investigations on plausible biologic mechanisms and potential causal links to vaccination. I then wrote: “With your commitment to “tackling health misinformation and rebuilding public trust” and your mission of “…addressing public health priorities through science…” I am writing to ask for a likewise revision to the statement on the Government of Canada webpage (Canada.ca) with respect to vaccines and autism.” The website makes the following unsubstantiated claim – “Autism is not caused by vaccination.” I stated: “You and I both know that Health Canada does not have the scientific evidence to make this definitive statement and is thereby contributing to misinformation at best and intentional deception at worst.” I then offered what I thought was a more truthful statement for her consideration. I suggested the following: “Proper studies to determine a causal relationship between vaccination and autism have not been conducted. Therefore, the claim that vaccines do not cause autism is without scientific merit and premature at this time.” I argued that the statement is a step in the right direction to restore trust in public health in Canada. A Further Request I then made a further request. I wrote: “Over our 44-year history, Vaccine Choice Canada has endeavored to be factual and provide information which is supported by the literature and objective evidence. In our shared commitment to disseminate accurate and evidence-based information, I invite you or your staff to review the information provided on the Vaccine Choice Canada website and advise us if you find any statements which are not supported by the scientific literature. It is my hope that together we can commit to factual, evidence-based statements in our efforts to educate the public on the science of vaccination.” My goal is two outcomes. One, to build a collaborative relationship with the Public Health Agency of Canada. I believe Vaccine Choice Canada has information that would assist the PHAC to achieve their goals of “preventing chronic diseases and injuries.” We know what most health professionals are never taught – that vaccines are the leading cause of chronic illness in Canada. Two, to have Health Canada review our website for errors. If they review the website and find areas that require correction based on solid evidence, that only serves to improve our credibility. And if they decline, we can declare that Health Canada was invited to review our materials and failed to identify any information that was incorrect. Either way we benefit. I’m looking forward to Dr. Reimer’s response. Ted PS. This week begins our Spring fundraising campaign. I want you to know that VCC exists because of your support. Please give what you can so we can do even more to protect our children from vaccine harm. |