University of Sask. suspends surgery prof who made COVID-19 claims
A Saskatoon surgeon who publicly made claims concerning COVID-19 vaccines has been suspended from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine and fired by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Francis Christian appeared in an online video where he called for the pause of the COVID-19 vaccinations for children and called the vaccines "experimental injections."
Christian reiterated his claim during a June 17 media availability held outside Walter Murray Collegiate where he refused to answer questions from reporters.
On its website, the Government of Canada says its authorization process "is recognized around the world for its high standards and rigorous review" and decisions are based "only on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective."
In an email to staff obtained by CTV News, the interim head of the university's surgery department said Christian's academic and responsibilities are "temporarily and immediately suspended" as of Wednesday.
The email from Brian Ulmer said that the suspension also applies to Christian's role as quality improvement and patient safety director and his role as the university's director of surgical humanities.
Ulmer did not specify the reason for Christian's suspension in the email.
In an emailed statement, college of medicine dean Preston Smith confirmed the suspension and said Christian's "actions and public statements" are under review by the SHA and the university.
Smith said while the university encourages "public debate of important societal issues," its medical faculty is subject to ethical and professional standards governing the practice of medicine.
The SHA said it has terminated Christian’s contract under the Provincial Academic Clinical Funding Plan Agreement. It said it is required to give 90 days notice, so Christian’s contract will end on Sept. 21.
“While we respect that residents of Saskatchewan have a right to free speech, health system leaders are expected to be committed to fact-based, scientifically driven public messaging. Given the risks of COVID, leaders who depart from this commitment in favour of conspiracy theories put Ives at risk by potentially discouraging uptake on life saving vaccines,” the SHA said in a statement to CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.