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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.