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
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'
On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.