Sask. surgeon continues COVID-19 claims – but doesn’t allow questions from media
A Saskatoon surgeon invited journalists outside Walter Murray Collegiate to share his opinions on COVID-19 — but reporters were not allowed to ask questions.
Dr. Francis Christian called for the pause of the COVID-19 vaccinations for children, saying the disease does not pose a threat to kids. He said he supports the vaccine for the elderly, the vulnerable and health care workers.
“There is no emergency in children,” said Christian, who is also a professor of surgery at the University of Saskatchewan.
The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan said it does not support Christian’s views.
Christian previously shared his views alongside some other Canadian doctors in a video posted to BitChute on June 4.
In the video, Christian said he is a “pro-vaccine” physician but calls the COVID-19 vaccine “an experimental injection” because “it isn’t being made like a vaccine.”
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said in an statement to CTV News that it doesn’t support any opinions that cast doubt on the seriousness of COVID-19 or the effectiveness of vaccines.
“This kind of communication feeds conspiracy theories and misinformation, as well as sends the false message that our health care workers at the front line are somehow faking or making up the loss of life and trauma.”
Four COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for emergency use in Canada, including the Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines.
According to the Government of Canada website, “only vaccines that are proven to be safe, effective and of high quality are authorized for use in Canada.”
It added that all of the approved vaccines have been vigorously tested during their development and carefully reviewed by Health Canada.
Family physician Dr. Chong Wong also spoke at the event, saying the risks of the COVID-19 vaccine should be more accessible.
“Every drug I prescribe for my patients, I tell them the good thing about it, and also the bad things about it — so they can decide for themselves,” Wong said.
Adverse vaccine reactions are publicly reported by Health Canada.
According to that data, serious adverse reactions have been reported after 0.005 per cent of doses.
"The benefits of vaccines authorized in Canada continue to outweigh the risks," Health Canada says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
Cargo ship had engine maintenance in port before Baltimore bridge collapse, officials say
The cargo ship that lost power and crashed into a bridge in Baltimore underwent 'routine engine maintenance' in port beforehand, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.