A documentary about Dr John O'Connor, the Canadian physician who first sounded the alarm about the high rate of unusual cancers in First Nations people near the oil development fields in northern Alberta, has been shortlisted for an Oscar.
Directed by US filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, Downstream takes a critical look at the Alberta oil-sands developments and the concomitant environmental health concerns.
Dr O'Connor, who lived in Alberta and regularly flew to the northern First Nations communities to treat patients, warned in 2006 of worryingly high rates of unusual cancers in the region near the new industrial developments. He was subsequently placed under investigation for professional misconduct, including alleged violations such as "engendering mistrust" and "raising undue alarm." The charges were laid by the provincial regulatory body, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), after a complaint was made by the federal government. The pressure from the case chased him from Alberta to a new home in Nova Scotia, where he now practises. He was cleared of three of the four misconduct charges in January 2008. At the time, the charge of raising undue alarm was still open but Dr O'Connor was convinced it had become moot. (Reached by telephone on Monday, a CPSA representative declined to speak about Dr O'Connor's case, citing provincial privacy legislation related to professional complaints. Dr O'Connor could not be reached for comment.)*
Downstream's potential Oscar opportunity has received international attention, from Ireland to Los Angeles. According to Fort McMurray Today, upon seeing a short teaser for the film, Spike Lee remarked, "Wow, that looks great." Dr O'Connor told Today he was pleased with the final product.
*Update, October 29: The charge of raising undue alarm still stands, as far as Dr O'Connor knows, he said in a phone interview from his office in Nova Scotia. "I haven't heard from them [the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta] since December 5 of 2007," he said. He maintains the allegation is bogus. "There is definitely no undue alarm -- there is no alarm at all," he explains. "The chiefs are saying, 'We have been crying out for decades.' They are calling it 'due concern' not 'undue alarm.' I am puzzled to say the least."
Photo: Downstream, Leslie Iwerks
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Monday, 20 October, 2008
Film about Canadian MD's oil-sands cancer warning on Oscar shortlist
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This incident is a clarion call to all those who care about Canada and democratic government. Apparent abuse of authority by government officials is not acceptable in our democratic form of government and is likely also against the law. Where are our university law schools and other outraged Canadians on this matter? Who will hold accountable those who are speeding up our slide down a slippery slope into the cesspool of corruption and greed?
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