OTTAWA _ The resignation of a scientific adviser from the federal pesticide regulator is yet another example of industry having too much influence at Health Canada, the NDP’s health critic is alleging. Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a health-sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, stepped down as co-chair of the department’s scientific advisory committee on pest control products […] The post Recent resignations suggest industry has too much sway with Health Canada: NDP appeared first on CHEK.
OTTAWA _ The resignation of a scientific adviser from the federal pesticide regulator is yet another example of industry having too much influence at Health Canada, the NDP’s health critic is alleging. Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a health-sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, stepped down as co-chair of the department’s scientific advisory committee on pest control products late last month. He cited concerns over the role the pesticide industry plays in the regulatory process, pointing to a tendency to favour industry-provided data over broader, independent studies. NDP heath critic Don Davies said the issues Lanphear raised in his resignation letter are alarming and dangerous. Davies noted that in February a board member and the executive director of Canada’s drug-price regulator also resigned, alleging that industry pressure stalled reforms to lower the cost of patented medicines. He said in a statement that Lanphear’s decision to leave is “yet another high-profile resignation” due to the “over-influence” of industry representation. “This resignation is yet another example of a Liberal government that chooses to place the profits of industry ahead of the interests and safety of Canadians.” The office of Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos did not comment on what Davies had to say. The scientific…