September 2009 News in Review Resource Guide

September 2009 Credits Resource Guide Writers: Diane Ballantyne, Sean Dolan, Peter Flaherty, Jim L’Abbé Copy Editor and Desktop Publisher: Susan Rosenthal Resource Guide Graphics: Laraine Bone Production Assistant: Carolyn McCarthy Resource Guide Editor: Jill Colyer Supervising Manager: Karen Bower Host: Carla Robinson Senior Producer: Nigel Gibson Producer: Lou Kovacs Video Writers: Nigel Gibson Director: Ian Cooper Graphic Artist: Mark W. Harvey Editor: Stanley Iwanski

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News in Review, September 2009 1. Two Canadians Meet in Space (Length: 15:22) 2. Canada and the Swine Flu (Length: 14:54) 3. Iran’s Summer of Discontent (Length: 13:50) 4. Asbestos: Canada’s Ugly Secret (Length: 12:47) Contents In This Issue ...... 4

TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE ...... 6 Introduction...... 6 Video Review...... 7 Canada’s Space Program...... 9 Julie Payette...... 11 Expedition 20/21...... 13 Future of Space Exploration...... 15 Activity: Reconsidering Canada’s Role...... 17 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU...... 18 Introduction...... 18 Viewing Guide...... 19 H1N1 Virus: An FAQ Sheet...... 21 Canada’s Pandemic Preparedness...... 23 First Nations Communities...... 25 The “Spanish Lady”: The Flu Pandemic of 1918...... 27 Activity: You Decide...... 29 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT...... 30 Introduction...... 30 Video Review...... 31 Election Outrage...... 33 Iran: The View from the West...... 35 Youth Revolution...... 37 The Governments of Canada and Iran...... 39 Activity: Driven to Protest...... 40 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET...... 41 Introduction...... 41 Video Review...... 42 History of Asbestos ...... 44 The Safety Debate...... 46 Asbestos by the Numbers...... 48 International Asbestos Sales Controversy...... 50 Activity: Should Canada stop selling asbestos?...... 53

News in Review Index...... 54

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  In This Issue . . .

TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE (Length: 15:22) NiR Study In July, Canadian astronaut Julie Payette rocketed into space and made history. When Modules Using print and video she met her colleague Robert Thirsk on board the International Space Station, it material from archival was the first time two Canadians had been in space at once. In thisNews in Review issues of News in story we’ll look at the mission that brought the two astronauts together and examine Review, teachers and Canada’s role in space. students can create thematic modules NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos for independent A Canadian Rides the Shuttle into Space Asteroid: The Doomsday Rock assignments, and small October 2006 Project X: Flight group study. Next Floor Mars? The Space Elevator History of Science in Canada: The Space April 2004 Age: Aeronautics & Telecommunications Mars Invasion: Exploring the Red Planet Lost in Space Related CBC Videos Other videos available March 2004 from CBC Learning; Shuttle Columbia: Disaster in the Skies see the back cover for April 2003 contact details. Mars: Exploring the Red Planet, April 2002

CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU (Length: 14:54) As the swine flu continues to spread around the world, Canada’s health-care system is stepping up its pandemic preparations. The H1N1 virus first arrived in Canada in the spring, and health authorities are expecting many more cases this winter. In this News in Review story we’ll look at what we know about the virus and how it’s affecting Canadians. NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Avian Flu: Preparing for a Pandemic Antibiotics: Growing Resistance January 2006 Black Dawn: The Next Pandemic Dead Heat: The Race to Find a Cure for Influenza Food Borne Diseases

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT (Length: 13:50) In early August Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in as President of Iran, after weeks of sometimes bloody unrest. Ahmadinejad was elected in June, but his opponents said the vote had been rigged and took to the streets in protest. At least 30 people were killed and hundreds were arrested. In this News in Review story we’ll look at the controversial election and at the mass demonstrations that followed. NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Iran Seizes British Sailors, May 2007 Iran’s Young Rebels City of Death: Iran’s Killer Quake Beyond the Veil February 2004 Nuclear Jihad: Can the Terrorists Get the Iran: The Winds of Change, May 2000 Bomb

ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET (Length: 12:47) Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry. Canada produces about 10 per cent of the world’s supply, but because it can cause severe lung problems its use in this country is limited. Instead most of it is shipped to developing countries. In this News in Review story we’ll look at how those sales are helping a dying industry in Canada but sickening and killing workers in countries like India. NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Electronic Waste and China Cell Phones: The Ring Heard Around the December 2008 World Green Sweep: Transforming our Trash

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CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Introduction

The important role that Canada making it ready for its first full-time

has played in the history of space resident scientists. On this second visit Download the mp3 of this Introduction exploration is one that few Canadians she was to continue construction on at newsinreview. appreciate. Many are really only aware the almost-completed station. Payette’s cbclearning.ca of two contributions. The first of mission will be one of the last of the these is the Canadarm, that long crane shuttle flights, as the shuttle program is Focus we see sticking out of every space scheduled to end in 2010. An extraordinary shuttle, waving some large piece of Bob Thirsk had also flown on a shuttle event in Canadian shuttle freight at its end. The second mission before. This time, however, he space history took contribution is our astronauts. We may reached the space station in a Russian place in July 2009 not have a lot of astronauts, but they Soyuz spacecraft. Thirsk is the first when two Canadians have played an important role in the Canadian to make an extended stay were in Earth orbit at the same time. exploration of space. on the station. He will be there for six This News in Review Canada has made other major months, during which time he will story looks at the contributions to space exploration. perform more than 100 experiments. work of the Canadian One of these is in the area of robotics. Many of these will deal with the effects Space Agency, the Canada has created some of the most of lengthy space travel on the human two history-making useful tools available in space. Canada body. astronauts, and is also a leader in satellite technology as Lengthy space travel may well be recent developments and possible future a developer of advanced communication the future of space exploration. The programs in space satellites and Earth-observation satellites. U.S. National Aeronautics and Space exploration. Canadian astronauts tend to receive Administration (NASA) has plans for more attention than do our other manned flights to the moon by 2020 and contributions to space exploration. Our a manned flight to Mars, perhaps as soon Did you know . . . A list and description astronauts are the people with “the as 2035. Economic conditions may slow of every experiment right stuff.” In July, two of them—Julie these plans but they are unlikely to end conducted on the ISS Payette and Bob Thirsk—were the first them. is available from NASA Canadians to meet in space. For each Canada, too, is demonstrating at www.nasa.gov/ of these astronauts, it was their second continued interest in space exploration. mission_pages/station/ visit to space. This time, they met at the In 2009, the Canadian Space Agency science/experiments/ International Space Station, the premier (CSA) was given extra money to Expedition.html. location for low-gravity experimentation. increase its research and development Payette had been to the International program in robotics. And in May, two Space Station before. In fact, she was new astronauts were selected to carry one of the group of astronauts who first on the proud tradition of Canadians in “turned on the lights” at the station, space.

To Consider Are young people interested in space exploration? Did you and any of your friends talk about the Canadians who went into space in 2009? If you didn’t talk about it, why not? Should there be more media coverage of space missions, or do you think there is already enough?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Video Review

Did you know . . . Pre-Viewing Discussion Every space shuttle During the course of the video, you will be introduced to two Canadians who flight is numbered are truly enthusiastic about their opportunities to go into space. What aspects sequentially. Julie of space travel do you think would lead to this enthusiasm? What things might Payette has been on make you want to be part of a space mission? the 96th and 127th flight. The same is true of Soyuz flights to the International Space Station (ISS) when astronauts remain on board the ISS and perform experiments. Bob Thirsk flew to the ISS on Expedition 20 and will remain on the station during Viewing Questions Expedition 21 for a Answer the following questions in the spaces provided. total of six months in space. 1. What great event in the history of space exploration was celebrated in 2009?

2. How long will Bob Thirsk spend on the International Space Station?

3. Who was the first Canadian to board the International Space Station?

4. How does NASA prepare astronauts for their missions?

5. In her interview, what does Julie Payette describe as critical for her on her current mission?

6. Why was the shuttle fleet grounded in 2003?

7. When is the shuttle program expected to end?

8. How long ago was Julie Payette’s last visit to the International Space Station?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  9. Why did the shuttle do a back flip as it first approached the International Space Station?

10. What country built the platform for the experiments installed by the shuttle astronauts?

11. How long will the International Space Station remain in orbit?

Post-Viewing Discussion 1. Based on what you have seen on the video, what type of mission would appeal most to you as an astronaut? Would it be Julie Payette’s 14-day flight to supply and continue construction of the International Space Station? Or would you prefer Bob Thirsk’s six-month assignment as a resident scientist performing a variety of experiments? Why?

2. Construction on the International Space Station began in 1998 and is scheduled to be completed by 2011. It has been staffed, and experiments have taken place there, since 2000. The station may be decommissioned as early as 2015. Do you think that 16 years of experimentation, only four or five of which will take place when the station is complete, are worth the time and effort involved in the project? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Canada’s Space Program

As of 2009, eight Canadian astronauts four new astronauts were added to the Further Research have journeyed into space. Beginning corps. One of these was Julie Payette. In The CSA Web site is at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/ with Marc Garneau in 1984, Canadians 2009, retirements led to a new call for eng/default.asp. have been part of 14 shuttle missions. applicants for the astronaut corps, and in Many of these missions have been part May of that same year two new positions of the effort to build the International were filled. The successful applicants Further Research Learn more about Space Station (ISS). Now that the ISS is were Jeremy Hansen, a fighter pilot, and Canada’s newest able to house its full complement of six David Saint-Jacques, a medical doctor. astronauts at www. researchers, Bob Thirsk is in residence They began training at the Johnson cbc.ca/technology/ and will be the first Canadian to spend Space Center in Houston, Texas, in story/2009/05/13/new- six months in space. August. There were 5 351 applicants for canadian-astronauts- There was much news coverage of the the jobs. .html. fact that Thirsk and Payette would meet Canada expects that a Canadian in space. But our astronauts’ participation astronaut will be part of the research staff Further Research in space missions is only one small part on the ISS once every three years. Read more about of Canada’s space program. Canada’s satellites at Satellites www.asc-csa.gc.ca/ The Canadian Space Agency The CSA’s satellite program has likely eng/satellites/default. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA), had the biggest impact on the lives of asp. which reports to Canada’s Minister of most Canadians. These include the Industry, is the government department development of: that directs most of Canada’s efforts • science satellites that research Earth’s in space research. Established in 1989 atmosphere and the farthest reaches of by the Canadian Space Agency Act, its space mandate is “To promote the peaceful use • communications satellites that keep and development of space, to advance remote communities in touch with the the knowledge of space through science more heavily populated parts of Canada and to ensure that space science and • Earth-observation satellites that help technology provide social and economic us monitor the environment and our benefits for Canadians” www.asc-csa.( natural resources gc.ca/eng/about/mission.asp). In December 2007, Canada launched Astronauts its most impressive satellite to date: One CSA responsibility is Canada’s Radarsat-2. The CSA helped fund its astronaut development program. Through construction and launch, but the satellite the National Research Council, Canada is privately owned and operated. The established a permanent astronaut CSA will recover its investment through corps in 1983 to conduct Canadian the supply of data to the government. experiments in space. Bob Thirsk was The satellite will provide data for hired in the first competition, when over hundreds of projects that monitor the 4 000 applications were received for the environment across Canada and around six available positions. the world. It can provide sharp detail A second hiring was announced in through both clouds and the night sky. 1992. Over 5 000 Canadians applied, and

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page  Robotics video of every shuttle mission. Definition The Canadarm was such a success that The payload is the Equally significant has been Canada’s carrying capacity of contribution to the use of robotics in Canada was asked to design and build an aircraft or space space. In 1975 the (U.S.) National a second arm specifically for the ISS. It ship, including cargo, Aeronautics and Space Administration is designed to remain permanently with munitions, scientific (NASA) asked Canada to design and the space station and can travel the entire instruments or build a Shuttle Remote Manipulator length of the station to complete its tasks. experiments. System (SRMS). This was to be used to Recently added to the ISS was a handle large payloads in space. Canada helpful Canadian robot named Dextre. Further Research would assume the cost of developing Dextre is designed to remove and replace The Canadarm and the hardware, which would be used on small components—which require very Canadarm2 story is the shuttle Columbia. Its success would careful handling—on the outside of the at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/ result in the purchase of three more space station. Scientists expect Dextre to eng/canadarm/default. SRMSs from Toronto’s Spar Aerospace, greatly reduce the number of space walks asp. the main contractor. The result was the by ISS researchers. Canadarm, which is now prominent on For Discussion The CSA often makes the case that the space research it has sponsored has real application here on Earth. It is easy to demonstrate the value of the CSA’s work with satellites. Can you think of ways in which the research resulting in the two Canadarms and Dextre might lead to new breakthroughs here on Earth?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 10 TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Julie Payette

Julie Payette is an extraordinary person. STS-96 Further Research Born in 1963, Payette is a native Learn more about Julie Payette’s first shuttle mission was Julie Payette at www. of Montreal, where she attended both STS-96. The mission lasted from May asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/ elementary and secondary school. She 27 to June 9, 1999. This mission was the astronauts/biopayette. holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical first time that a shuttle manually docked asp. engineering from McGill University. She at the ISS (it was unoccupied at the also earned a master of applied science time). The shuttle also delivered more Note degree in computer engineering from than 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS. A CBC feature about the University of Toronto. Before she Before the flight, Payette described Payette’s first shuttle became an astronaut, Payette worked her job as that of a construction worker mission is available in computer research and systems (www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/sts- at archives.cbc.ca/ engineering in both the public and 096/responsibilities.asp). She had a science_technology/ private sectors. space/clips/16827/. lengthy list of responsibilities, including The Canadian Space Agency lists performing any necessary repairs to the the following information in Payette’s ISS, supervising the installation and personal profile: “. . . Ms. Payette enjoys storage of new equipment, and operating running, skiing, racquet sports and scuba the Canadarm on three different diving. She has a commercial pilot occasions. licence with float rating. Ms. Payette is STS-96 was an especially important fluent in French and English, and can mission because it readied the ISS for converse in Spanish, Italian, Russian and its first resident crew. It was the last German. She plays the piano and has shuttle flight before an American and two sung with the Orchestre symphonique de Russians arrived via Soyuz spacecraft Montréal, the Piacere Vocale in Basel, on November 2, 2000. The ISS has been Switzerland, and the Tafelmusik Baroque occupied ever since. Orchestra in Toronto. She is married and Following the completion of her has two children.” first mission, Payette served as the In 1992, Payette was one of 5 330 representative of the NASA astronaut applicants to the Canadian astronaut corps at the European and Russian space program. She was one of four who were agencies. From 2003, she has worked as selected for training, and the second a Spacecraft Communicator and has been woman selected (Canada’s first female responsible for communications between astronaut was Roberta Bondar). the ground controllers and astronauts After her initial Canadian training, during shuttle flights. Payette’s computer expertise resulted in her being selected as the technical STS-127 advisor for the Mobile Servicing System, Payette has had the rare experience of a robotics system developed by Canada seeing the ISS just before it opened and for the International Space Station (ISS). again almost at its completion. In August 1996, Payette began Space shuttle flights are due to be her astronaut training with NASA in retired in 2010, and her most recent Houston. She completed her basic mission—named STS-127—was one training in 1998 and then worked on of the last major construction flights robotics issues until her first shuttle to the ISS. Its main cargo consisted of mission.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 11 Further Research the final components needed for Kibo, required payload items to be removed A series of videos an experimental module contributed from the shuttle’s hold and placed inside of Julie Payette by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration the ISS. This involved the operation of discussing the STS-127 Agency. The shuttle also carried a full both the Canadarm and the Canadarm2. mission is available load of supplies and experiments for Payette also had to operate a third at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/ the six scientists now residing at the arm—a Japanese-designed arm that is eng/missions/sts-127/ ISS. Among these was a Canadian, Bob part of Kibo—to install some of the new videos.asp#clip4. Thirsk. Payette and Thirsk were the first experiments. two Canadians to be in space at the same Hand-offs in space are very difficult to time. execute. In all, Payette performed eight Payette’s work was critical to the hand-offs from one arm to another—a success of this mission. As a robotics record. specialist, she operated three different Payette completed what is expected to robot arms during the completion of be her final shuttle mission on July 31, Kibo and the installation of its first 2009. experiments. Much of the construction For Discussion 1. In an editorial on May 27, 1999, The Globe and Mail described Julie Payette as “massively overqualified” for her job as shuttle astronaut. Here’s what the editorial had to say:

“It’s great, but is it really important? The problem is, some things about her space-faring idyll don’t make sense. First, she is massively overqualified for what she is doing. While it is impressive that she speaks six languages, can fly a plane, has competed in triathlons, sings, holds two engineering degrees and plays the flute and piano, it hardly matters for the tasks at hand.

“She is, as most of the astronauts are, a glorified tradesman-cum- lab-technician. Her main job is unloading a tonne’s worth of material and helping to operate the Canadarm. The reason she has so many qualifications has much more to do with a dearth of astronaut positions than it does with what she must accomplish.”

Do you think that the newspaper’s assessment is a fair one? Does an astronaut really need to have all of the qualifications that Payette possesses? Could her skills be better used in other areas? If you think so, what might those areas be?

2. What are the qualifications that you feel are most important for a Canadian astronaut? Make a list of the top three. Share your list with your classmates and see if there is any consensus on what makes the perfect astronaut candidate.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 12 TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Expedition 20/21

The International Space Station (ISS) Robert Thirsk Further Research was created as a platform for scientific More about Bob Thirsk Canada’s latest scientist on the ISS is is available at www. research. Construction in low-Earth Robert “Bob” Thirsk, a medical doctor cbc.ca/technology/ orbit began in 1998 and is expected to with a special interest in aeronautics. He story/2009/05/22/space- be completed in 2011. The first crew also holds degrees in engineering and robert-thirsk-space- entered the station in 2000, and the ISS business administration. Thirsk was born station-astronaut. has been continuously staffed ever since. in 1953 in New Westminster, British html. His official CSA It will remain in operation at least until Columbia. He was one of the first group biography is at www. asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/ 2015 and likely even beyond. of astronauts selected by the National astronauts/biothirsk. The ISS is a joint project of the space Research Council (NRC). asp. agencies of several countries: the United Thirsk decided he wanted to be an States, Canada, Japan, Russia, and 11 astronaut the night he saw the first man European countries that are part of the walk on the moon—July 20, 1969. European Space Agency. Brazil also He was 15 at the time. That ambition participates through a separate contract finally became a reality in 1983. The with NASA. NRC—because of the success of the Canadarm—was asked by NASA to Canada and the ISS form a Canadian astronaut corps so that Canada’s major contribution to the Canadians could fly on the shuttle. ISS is the Mobile Servicing System Just before Thirsk’s latest space (MSS), consisting of the Canadarm2, a mission, NASA asked him how an mobile base system, and Dextre, a robot engineer/doctor/MBA ended up as an designed to work in areas on the exterior astronaut. Thirsk had this reply: “Well, of the ISS where precise handling this is going to sound funny but I simply of equipment is necessary. Working answered an ad in the newspaper. together, the elements of the MSS will Canada, during the first recruitment of greatly reduce the number of space walks astronauts, placed an ad in all the major required to repair and replace parts of the newspapers across Canada saying that space station. they were now starting an astronaut Canada’s reward for its contribution program, they were looking for people is research time at the station for some with these kinds of qualifications, and of its astronauts. The Canadian Space I looked at the qualifications that they Agency helps Canadian university and were looking for. I realized that I had a industry researchers develop experiments lot of that, and these dreams that I had that can be carried out at the ISS during of being an astronaut when I followed those times when a Canadian scientist is the careers of John Glenn and Neil in residence. Most of these experiments Armstrong came flooding back to me. So are concentrated in two areas: my application was in the next day. Of • robotics, especially as they apply to the course, it was a long period of time, a lot MSS of cuts or a lot of selection steps, before • microgravity and life sciences, I was finally accepted, but I was very exploring the effects of low gravity on honoured and very fortunate to be part living things of Canada’s first astronaut corps” (nasa. gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 13 Note expedition20/thirsk_interview.html). spacecraft to Mars. Because of these Weekly summaries Thirsk’s first space flight was in 1996, plans, many of the Expedition 20/21 of Bob Thirsk’s work on shuttle mission STS-78. On that experiments will study how people are available on the flight he performed several experiments adapt to long space flights (many of CSA website at www. dealing with the effects of space flight the experiments arrived on the shuttle asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/ on plants, animals, and humans. He flight that also brought Julie Payette to missions/expedition20- also performed additional experiments the ISS). One area Thirsk is especially 21/weekly.asp. in materials science. Many of these interested in is bone loss, a major experiments helped space agencies to problem for astronauts. Thirsk was given prepare for future work on the ISS. Its many other mission responsibilities. construction was planned to begin two He is the crew’s medical officer. As years later. flight engineer, he is responsible for the In 2004, Thirsk was asked to be the maintenance and repair of the ISS. As back-up astronaut on a Russian-Italian a robotics expert, it is his job to operate expedition to the ISS. It was then that he the Canadarm2. He will also be the began the training (in Russia) that led to caretaker for Kibo, the new Japanese his participation in Expedition 20/21. science laboratory, as there is currently When Thirsk’s 2009 mission began, no Japanese scientist aboard the ISS. he became the first Canadian to go Asked to identify his mission into space on a Soyuz spacecraft. His priorities, Thirsk listed two. The first mission took him to a space station that is to ensure that the station is indeed was almost complete and that was able capable of supporting a crew of six to hold a full six-person team for the scientists. The second is to help turn a first time since construction began. He space station under construction into would be spending six months helping to a world-class facility for research and perform about 100 experiments. development. The CSA and NASA have NASA personnel are preparing for a no doubts that they have chosen the right new series of flights to the moon and man for the job. hope soon to be able to send a manned Quick Research During his NASA interview, Thirsk mentions John Glenn and Neil Armstrong as two people who inspired him to become an astronaut. Who were they and what did they do? Research their careers and write a paragraph on each describing their most significant accomplishment(s) as an astronaut.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 14 TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Future of Space Exploration

What is the future of space exploration? Later flights will take it to the moon and Did you know . . . This is a question that is being studied eventually to Mars. The International Space Station could by many of the major space agencies, Orion, however, will not be ready not have been built including Canada’s. before 2015. This means the United without the space For many people, the most exciting States will be without a manned shuttle. It is the only element of future space exploration spacecraft for at least five years. Those vehicle large and includes manned flights to the moon and are the very years when the most powerful enough to to Mars, our nearest planetary neighbour. important research will be conducted at carry many of the station’s components The U.S. has already announced that it the International Space Station (ISS). into orbit. expects to be back on the moon by 2020 All personnel transfers will have to and hopes to visit Mars with a manned take place on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. flight as early as 2035. Other countries, Supplies, new experiments and new including China, have also announced materials will all have to be delivered by plans to have their astronauts walk and unmanned spacecraft or Soyuz rockets. work on the moon in the near future. The United States, worried about this Manned space flight, however, remains lack of manned spacecraft, has formed a both dangerous and extremely expensive. special commission to study the future of Two of the 127 shuttle missions have manned space travel. The commission’s failed, with significant loss of life. aim is to outline a program that is safe, Many experts point to the successes of innovative, affordable, and sustainable. unmanned missions and argue that these It may even advise extending the life of are both a more cost-effective and safer the shuttles until the new Orion is ready way to explore the cosmos. to fly. Meanwhile, other countries have Major Changes expressed an interest in manned space Travel to space in the immediate future flight. China has already launched a seems about to change dramatically. manned orbital flight. Japan and India The most obvious change is likely to also have planned missions. be the planned retirement of the entire Even the private sector is getting NASA shuttle fleet in 2010. The shuttle involved. Virgin Galactic is testing its is currently the only manned spacecraft sub-orbital space plane, SpaceShipTwo, used by NASA, and the spacecraft and expects to have it taking tourists into are getting old. The shuttle’s major space within a year or two. It will carry a drawback—besides its vulnerability to crew of two plus six passengers for about certain kinds of accidents—is that it’s CAD$220 000 per person, per trip. range is limited. It can never venture farther into space than Earth orbit. Unmanned Exploration Under a new project named The unmanned exploration of space will Constellation, NASA is intending to certainly continue even as new plans replace the shuttle with a new craft: for manned travel develop. NASA, in Orion. Orion will look and behave more particular, has had tremendous successes like the Apollo spacecraft that first took with its unmanned probes and robot men to the moon. Orion will first launch explorers. One of its greatest successes into Earth orbit atop a new rocket, Ares. has been the exploration of Mars by the

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 15 Further Research twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity. The The government and the Canadian Follow the rover robots were designed to last only 90 days Space Agency (CSA) have made some mission at marsrovers. on the surface of Mars. Both arrived decisions recently that point to future nasa.gov/home/index. on Mars in January 2004. As of August activities. html. An overview 2009, both are still functional. Two new astronauts were recently of all NASA’s current NASA has a wide range of probes selected to ensure that Canada has the missions—manned and satellites exploring planets and astronauts to conduct research on the and unmanned—is other astronomical objects within our International Space Station. They would available at www.nasa. gov/missions/current/ solar system—and well beyond. It also presumably be available to participate in index.html. has several satellites studying Earth, its other manned space flights—additional climate, and its resources. Many more shuttle missions and Orion flights. are scheduled for launch in the next few The 2009 budget included $110- years. In 2010, NASA will begin sending million, distributed over the next three a series of robotic probes to the moon to years, to be devoted to robotics projects. prepare for future manned missions. These would include refinements to However, like other United States Canadian successes like the Canadarm. government agencies NASA is feeling The money would also be used to pressure to cut programs and save develop new kinds of robotic vehicles, money. Keeping a very expensive including landers to explore the moon manned space flight program operating and Mars. may mean cutbacks in unmanned Canada will also continue to develop exploration. The special commission’s its expertise in Earth-observation report should help clarify how future satellites. Its launch of Radarsat- space exploration will develop. 2 has made it one of the leaders in environmental monitoring, surveillance, Canada and the Future and mapping. The success of this public- Canada is also in the process of private partnership points the way for reviewing its plans for space exploration. many of the CSA’s future activities.

For Discussion Just before Julie Payette’s first space mission, columnist Margaret Wente wrote an opinion piece for The Globe and Mail (May 27,1999) that argued that manned space flight was necessary for one main reason: favourable publicity. She wrote: “Why shoot people into space? Unmanned exploration, critics say, is more productive and a lot cheaper. But governments know that space with a human face is a much more saleable story to taxpayers. They can gabble on forever about industrial spinoffs, but all their press releases are not worth one good quote from a well-scrubbed astronaut. ‘Ride the mighty rocket I will!’ vowed Julie in Maclean’s. Now, that’s a good quote.”

Do you agree with Wente that the astronauts are salespeople for space exploration? How much attention do you believe most people pay to Canada’s space program and its astronauts?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 16 TWO CANADIANS MEET IN SPACE Activity: Reconsidering Canada’s Role

It has been a topic of debate for many years: Should Canada spend millions of dollars on space exploration activities? Could the money be better spent on social programs?

As long ago as April 24, 2001, The Globe and Mail asked its readers the same question:

“Imagine how much low-income housing could be built with the $1.4-billion spent on Canadarm2, the Canadian-designed robotic arm successfully deployed aboard the orbiting International Space Station yesterday for the first time. Or visualize how that same money could benefit famine relief, or any number of equally worthy causes. With social initiatives and charities hard-pressed for resources, does space exploration justify such an outlay?”

The Globe’s editors answered with a resounding yes. But with the pressures of the current recession many are again asking the same questions.

The Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) budget for 2009-2010 is over $365-million. Is this money well spent? Does our space program produce results that justify that kind of budget?

Or should that money be spent elsewhere? Would it be more useful to hire 1 800 new doctors? To hire 7 300 new nurses? To feed and shelter 15 000 homeless people?

How would you distribute that $365-million? Would you leave it with the CSA? Or would you earmark it for a specific social program or programs?

Your Task Prepare a brief report (two or three paragraphs) on how you would allot the money. If you would leave it with the CSA, explain why you think its programs are valuable to Canadians. If you would spend it elsewhere, be precise on how much it might affect a specific social program and why it would be money well spent.

Your teacher may ask you to complete this task by yourself, with a partner, or in a small group. Be prepared to share your report with your classmates.

The Globe gave as its most persuasive argument the following statement that you may want to consider as you make up your mind: “. . . Space exploration will continue regardless of whether Canadians participate. For as long as humans have walked the Earth, they have been anxious to unlock its secrets. Journeying into space marks the next, inevitable level of that innate curiosity.”

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 17 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU Introduction

On June 11, 2009, the World Health capable of mutating into a more virulent

Organization (WHO) declared a level-six and potentially lethal form that could Download the mp3 of this Introduction alert for the H1N1 influenza, nicknamed pose a serious threat to the health of at newsinreview. the “swine flu.” This organization, Canadians once the traditional flu season cbclearning.ca a branch of the United Nations that began in the fall of 2009. monitors disease outbreaks worldwide, By the time of the WHO’s pandemic Focus took this dramatic step because of clear alert, there were approximately 1 800 In the spring of 2009, evidence that swine flu had become a confirmed cases of H1N1 in Canada, a particular strain of pandemic—an epidemic of a potentially occurring in every province except the H1N1 influenza deadly disease that had taken on global Newfoundland. Most of those who came virus spread rapidly proportions. The WHO’s declaration down with its symptoms, which included around the globe. This followed a serious outbreak of swine fever, weakness, pain in the joints, prompted the World flu in Mexico in April 2009, which dizziness, and coughing, were people Health Organization to declare that the had resulted in widespread panic and between the ages of 20 and 40 who had world was in the over 150 deaths in that country. By been previously healthy. However, the midst of an influenza the end of that month, the potentially most serious cases usually involved pandemic. This CBC deadly form of influenza had reached individuals who already suffered from News in Review story Canada, brought back by vacationers underlying health problems such as explores what we from Mexico, including a group of obesity, asthma, or diabetes. Pregnant know about H1N1 and what we have learned high-school students from Nova Scotia women were also believed to be from past influenza who were immediately placed under particularly at risk. epidemics, and reviews quarantine. By the end of August 2009, only three Canada’s preparations One month later, a serious case of swine flu deaths had been reported in for dealing with H1N1. the disease was reported in Alberta, this country. But health authorities were only this time the victim, who required especially concerned that the disease hospitalization, had not travelled to appeared to be far more prevalent and Mexico before becoming ill. This potentially deadly among Canada’s First development led to a rising level of Nations people. As governments at all concern among federal and provincial levels prepared for the worst, health health-care agencies, which had authorities hoped that H1N1 would not previously sought to calm Canadians’ represent a serious health emergency fears by stressing that the disease was for Canadians, as was the deadly 1918 rarely deadly and that its symptoms influenza epidemic that had killed over were usually mild and transitory. But 50 000 in this country and countless now scientists who study viruses such millions worldwide. as H1N1 were cautioning that it was To Consider Before watching this story, ask yourself what you already know about H1N1, or swine flu. Where did you acquire most of this information (print news, radio, television, the Internet, government agencies, friends or family members)? Are you personally concerned about the potential impact of swine flu or not?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 18 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU Viewing Guide

Did you know . . . Pre-Viewing Activity One of the mysterious Before you watch the video, discuss the following questions with a partner or aspects of swine flu in a small group: What is swine flu? How is it different from other forms of is that, unlike other influenza? How does it spread? Where and when did the latest outbreak begin? forms of influenza, Why are health agencies and medical experts so worried about it? Which groups it seems to strike of people are most at risk? What can you do to protect yourself from infection? younger, previously healthy people more Viewing Questions than the elderly, who Answer the following questions in the spaces provided. are usually the most at risk. No one really 1. Why is H1N1 considered to be a “composite” flu virus? knows why this is so.

2. What steps did the Mexican government take to control the spread of H1N1 when the virus broke out in that country in April 2009?

3. What Canadians were the first to contract the disease? Where had they likely become infected with it?

4. Why did medical authorities consider the case of a young girl in Alberta who became ill from swine flu in May 2009 to be particularly serious?

5. According to some predictions, how many Canadians might require hospitalization from H1N1? How many could die?

6. When is a vaccine for H1N1 expected to be ready? By when might it be available for anyone in Canada who wants it?

7. What groups of Canadians are considered to be priority cases to receive the H1N1 vaccine?

8. Why are young people between the ages of 20 and 40 considered to be particularly vulnerable to the disease?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 19 9. Besides receiving a vaccination, what other steps can Canadians take to minimize the risk of contracting swine flu or any other virus?

10. What emergency measures have governments put in place to deal with a serious outbreak of the disease expected in the fall of 2009?

Post-Viewing Activities After you have watched the video, discuss and respond to the following questions. Your teacher may choose to place you in a small group with other students.

1. Based on what you have seen in the video, do you think that governments in Canada have prepared themselves adequately for a serious outbreak of swine flu? Why or why not?

2. Do you think that the worldwide concern over the dangers of swine flu is exaggerated? Why or why not?

3. What groups of Canadians do you think should be considered priority cases for receiving swine flu shots once the vaccine becomes available to the public? Explain the reasons for your choices.

4. What potential effects do you think a very serious outbreak of swine flu, such as the 1918 influenza epidemic, might have on Canadian society?

5. What steps do you think governments would be required to take in order to minimize or control the consequences of a serious swine flu epidemic in Canada?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 20 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU H1N1 Virus: An FAQ Sheet

There are a number of common that had not previously been found Did you know . . . misconceptions associated with the among human beings. This H1N1 virus The last epidemic to strike Canada swine flu. One of these is that humans was first detected in March 2009 when was Severe Acute can catch H1N1 from eating pork. it began infecting people in Mexico. Respiratory Syndrome The following information should However, H1N1 is very similar to the (SARS), in 2003. SARS be helpful in clearing up some of the virus that triggered the worst pandemic initially broke out misinformation surrounding the virus. in history—the 1918 “Spanish flu” that in the Toronto area killed millions of people in the months but spread across the country. By the time What is the difference between an after the First World War. (You can learn the epidemic was over, epidemic and a pandemic? more about the Spanish flu in the section The “Spanish Lady” on page 27 of this dozens of Canadians An epidemic is a disease affecting a large had died from SARS. guide.) group of people living in the same area at H1N1 is known as a “composite” roughly the same time. The U.S. Centers virus, meaning that it is a combination of for Disease Control and Prevention four different strains of influenza—one (CDC) prefers the less sensational term found in birds, one in humans, and two “outbreak” in order to avoid alarming the in pigs, or swine. Thus, it is not strictly public. The World Health Organization correct to refer to H1N1 as “swine” flu, (WHO) defines an epidemic as “the but the name has stuck. occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be expected Why is there so much concern about in a defined community, geographical swine flu? area, or season. An outbreak may occur in a restricted geographical area, or may Every year thousands of people contract extend over several countries. It may last what is known as “seasonal” influenza, for a few days or weeks, or for several or the flu. In Canada the flu season years” (“Swine Flu FAQ,” www.cbc.ca/ usually begins in the fall and peaks health/story/2009/04/24/f-swineflu-faq. during the coldest months of winter. html). While the vast majority of people A pandemic is an epidemic on a global recover from the flu after a few days of scale. According to the WHO, “an rest and medication, there are always influenza pandemic occurs when a new some people who die from it—usually influenza virus appears against which the elderly or people with weak the human population has no immunity, immune systems. Medical authorities resulting in epidemics worldwide with are particularly worried about H1N1, enormous numbers of death or illness.” however, because it is a newly mutated Illnesses such as the common cold and influenza strain that has not appeared seasonal influenza, which are prevalent before in humans. This means humans at all times but do not reach epidemic have no immunity against the strain. proportions, are referred to as “endemic” As well, for some reason the swine diseases. flu seems to strike people between the ages of 20 and 40 who were previously What is swine flu? healthy. This is usually a population that is not considered to be at risk of serious The official name for swine flu is the complications from influenza. H1N1 influenza, after a new viral strain

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 21 Note Can swine flu be spread by eating pork? forms of influenza, H1N1’s symptoms can be much more severe, longer Like all forms of Swine flu is mainly spread through lasting, and serious enough to require influenza, swine flu is human-to-human contact such a respiratory infection hospitalization in some cases. as sneezing or touching. It is not that attacks the lungs. transmitted by consuming food. In May It can cause death Can swine flu be treated? from pneumonia or 2009 the WHO declared that it was safe secondary infections to eat pork, provided it was properly A vaccine against swine flu is in the causing failure of the stored and cooked. It is also impossible process of development and is expected body’s vital organs. to contract the disease by eating fruit, to be tested on humans in September vegetables, or other products imported 2009. If the tests are successful, it is from countries such as Mexico, where anticipated that sufficient quantities of the initial outbreak of H1N1 began in the vaccine can be produced to provide April 2009. Despite these warnings, pork immunization for groups believed most producers’ associations in Canada and at risk from the disease—health-care elsewhere reported a sharp decline in the professionals, pregnant women, young sale of their products in 2009 because people, and those suffering from medical of the growing concern over swine flu problems such as diabetes or asthma—by infection. late fall. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) expects that it should What are the main symptoms of swine be possible to provide immunization flu? for anyone who desires it by the end of 2009. The main symptoms are similar to those in other forms of influenza, such as fever, Sources: “Swine Flu FAQ,” www. weakness, coughing, and soreness of cbc.ca/health/story/2009/04/24/f- swineflu-faq.html, and “Pandemic the joints. Some people also experience preparation: dealing with infectious a sore throat, runny nose, nausea, disease outbreaks,” www.cbc.ca/health/ vomiting, or diarrhea. But unlike other story/2009/04/24/f-fluprep.html Analysis Record some common misconceptions about the swine flu. Where do you think these misconceptions came from? What projects to promote greater awareness of the dangers posed by H1N1 might you be able to initiate in your school or classroom?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 22 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU Canada’s Pandemic Preparedness

Canada has developed a detailed plan for further infection from this virus. Quote dealing with a possible H1N1 epidemic. If the swine flu causes illness in 35 per “We don’t hear a plan for what will The plan is the result of consultation cent of the population, then businesses happen from now till between the federal and provincial could anticipate absenteeism rates of November in terms governments. It is titled “The Canadian up to 25 per cent during the worst two- of antiviral drugs. Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health week peak period of the pandemic. But we mainly don’t Sector” and is accessible on the Web site Some people will be too ill to work, hear a plan from of the Public Health Agency of Canada while others will need to take time off to 15.4 million doses in vials somewhere (PHAC) at www.phac-aspc.gc. care for sick relatives at home. School to how we’re going The government believes that the closures and other emergency public to get those into pandemic preparedness plan puts the health measures such as restricting or Canadians’ arms. And country in a good position if or when the banning public meetings and gatherings in what order and pandemic hits. But there are critics of the like sporting events or concerts may also who’s going to do it.” plan, including the Canadian Medical have to be considered. — Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Association. As you read the following opposition Liberal Party’s health critic information, identify the strengths and Estimated Health Impacts of a (www.cbc.ca/health/ weaknesses of the plan. Pandemic in Canada story/2009/08/17/ A moderately severe pandemic may swine-flu-czar-cmaj. Impact of an Influenza Pandemic cause the following: html) in Canada • between 11 000 to 58 000 deaths PHAC authorities admit that it is • 34 000 to 138 000 cases of people impossible to predict when the H1N1 requiring hospitalization who recover pandemic will strike or how serious it • two to five million people requiring will be when it does. However, they are outpatient care from a doctor fairly confident that it will begin in late 2009 and spread during the traditional • 4.5 to 10.6 million becoming clinically winter flu season. It is likely to last for at ill least one year, with more than one wave This means that if a sufficient vaccine occurring during this period. Each wave or other antiviral drugs are not available, is expected to last between six to eight up to one-third of the total population of weeks. Canada could be affected by a swine flu During this time, up to 70 per cent of pandemic. the population may become infected with the disease, but only 15 to 35 per cent Key Components of the Pandemic will become ill enough to require time Plan off from work for at least one day. If The first element of an effective such a pandemic occurs, and if sufficient response to a possible pandemic is to quantities of vaccine and/or antiviral be able to identify the new strain of the drugs are not available, up to half of virus quickly and prepare a vaccine to those who are clinically ill may require combat it. Since the SARS epidemic of outpatient care, one per cent will need 2003, Canada has become far better at hospitalization, and 0.4 per cent will die. identifying and tracking new viral strains Individuals who contract swine flu and such as H1N1. It has also improved its recover from it will be immune from pandemic alert system, with the Global

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 23 Quote Public Health Intelligence Network “We have a new (GPHIN) providing continuous updates Response to the Government’s plan, we have more worldwide, seven days a week, over the Plan resources, we have Internet. After the government released the more personnel, more Canada is one of the few countries pandemic plan, the Canadian Medical technology, more that is developing and manufacturing a Association (CMA)—a group know-how, and a new vaccine against H1N1. However, representing Canada’s physicians— better understanding this medication may not be available of how to deal with issued an editorial in August 2009 these kinds of things.” when the pandemic first strikes, and it calling for the appointment of a “health- — Ontario Premier may take some time to produce sufficient care czar” with emergency authority to Dalton McGuinty quantities of the drug to inoculate the deal with an H1N1 outbreak. Such an (cbcnews.ca, April 28, entire population. Meanwhile, there is an individual would need to have greater 2009) existing supply of antiviral drugs that are powers than the chief public health effective in treating people who become officer in order to take rapid action and ill from the disease, and this stockpile is co-ordinate the activities of various being increased. levels of government to fight the disease. Health officials at the federal and The current chief public health officer, provincial levels are also working to Dr. David Butler-Jones, is an appointee raise public awareness about how to of the federal government and does fight the disease, including education not have any authority over provincial campaigns to promote good hygiene health-care bodies. practices such as frequent hand washing The CMA editorial also recommended and maintaining “social distancing” by that the government quickly identify restricting human-to-human contacts to vulnerable groups in the population and the minimum necessary for everyday develop ways of vaccinating them. As of life. In some cases, individuals who August 2009, the government had yet to become ill from the disease will require develop such a plan. isolation, but a large-scale quarantine program is not seen as practicable. Follow-up 1. What do you think are the most important elements of the federal government’s pandemic plan? How effective do you think they will be when a serious swine flu outbreak occurs?

2. Do you think a country can ever be adequately prepared for a health pandemic? Explain.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 24 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU First Nations Communities

As the first cases of H1N1 were reported Another criticism is that the Public Quote in Canada in the spring of 2009 a Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) “Access to necessary health-care services is disturbing pattern began to emerge. was wrong not to separate statistics an ongoing problem Many of the cases were occurring in on the rates of H1N1 infection among for many indigenous isolated First Nations communities, Aboriginal people from those of the people around the such as the Stony Lake and St. Theresa general population. This information world, and Canada Point reserves in northern Manitoba. would have allowed the government is no exception. But Nunavut was also reporting a number of to target resources toward Aboriginal universal health care and non-insured confirmed swine flu cases, with 405 of communities much more quickly. health benefits (which the territory’s total population of 31 000 As well, Kim Barker, a public First Nations and Inuit residents infected with the disease and health advisor to the Assembly of individuals receive in 40 requiring hospitalization. This rate First Nations (AFN), has said the Canada) don’t mean of infection was nine times the national government appeared to be trying to anything if you live average. In addition, most of the victims silence Aboriginal leaders from speaking somewhere you still of the virus were under 10 years of age, out about the deficiencies of its swine cannot get household plumbing, let alone a significantly younger than in other parts flu preparedness plan. As she notes, visit to the doctor. ” — of Canada. “because the solutions are costly, we Jessica Yee, (“Canada’s are getting a lot of push-back from the swine flu shame,” Explaining the Disparity federal government telling us not to www.guardian.co.uk/ According to Isaac Sobol, Nunavut’s talk about it” (“Federal policies fuel commentisfree/2009/ Chief Medical Officer of Health, the spread of swine flu,”www.cmaj. jun/30/swine-flu- ca/earlyreleases/23july09_aboriginals. canada-first-nations/ serious problems of overcrowding and print) malnutrition in Aboriginal communities shtml). were contributing to the swine flu outbreak. As he notes, “it’s common Controversy over Hand Sanitizer sense that these conditions provide In the middle of June 2009 news a breeding ground for the spread of broke that the government had delayed disease. And that helps explain why the shipping crates of alcohol-based hand transmission of novel H1N1 has been sanitizers to reserve communities out phenomenally efficient” www.cmaj.( of fear that they would be abused by ca/earlyreleases/23july09_aboriginals. alcoholics in those communities. Not shtml). surprisingly, people were outraged by this news. Criticism of the Government To Jessica Yee, an advocate for Many people in the medical community Aboriginal peoples, the government’s and in Aboriginal communities have apparent inaction on the swine flu criticized the government for not doing crisis among First Nations people was enough to help vulnerable members appalling but not surprising. In her view, of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis decisions such as the postponement of communities. For one, critics feel that the distribution of alcohol-based hand the government did not move quickly sanitizers to Aboriginal communities enough to determine which groups was typical of federal policies that have should be priority cases to receive the totally failed to address the health-care new vaccine when it becomes available crisis facing First Nations people. in late 2009.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 25 Yee argues that Canada’s Aboriginal Solutions Quote population has to cope with “Third “We’ve had a number One solution some Aboriginal people of people come World conditions” of medical care, while were exploring in the wake of the forward and some the rest of Canada’s people enjoy the swine flu outbreak involved a return to evidence where this benefits of a health-care system that is traditional healing practices to fight the could potentially put second to none in the world. To support disease. Aboriginal healing techniques, people at risk. For her claims, Yee cited a recent report from as with other alternative medicine, the vast majority of a Senate subcommittee investigating people it’s not an issue focus on the well-being of a person as but . . . that discussion the inadequacies and inequities of First a whole—the physical, emotional, and was had with the Nations health-care systems. She quotes spiritual. Traditional native healing best interest of our it as follows: “Canada is generally focuses on strengthening the immune clients in mind and we perceived as one of the greatest countries system so that it can better cope with have now distributed in the world in which to live. It has viruses and bacteria. hand sanitizers.” a vast and diverse geography rich in Besha Blondin, a healer with the Dene — Anne-Marie natural resources, clean air, and a vast Robinson, assistant people in the Northwest Territories, deputy minister for territory. When it comes to health, called on the medical community to the First Nations and however, we unfortunately have serious consider joining forces with Aboriginal Inuit Health branch disparities. Some Canadians live their healers to deal with the virus. Blondin’s of Health Canada lives in excellent health, with one of the ideas found support from both (“Alcohol worries highest life expectancies in the world; alternative medicine practitioners such kept hand sanitizer paradoxically others spend their life as naturopaths and even Dr. Michael from flu-hit reserves,” in poor health, with a life expectancy Canada.com, June 24, Gardom, the director of Ontario’s 2009) similar to some Third World countries. Infectious Disease Prevention and The unfortunate Canadians who suffer Control program. Gardom pointed out poor health throughout their lifetime are that if alternative therapies are effective frequently less productive, adding to in fighting H1N1, then they could the burden on the health-care delivery take some of the pressure off what he system and social safety net. We cannot expected to be a seriously overloaded correct this inequity through the health- health-care system once the pandemic care delivery system itself, regardless strikes. of the expenditure we devote to it (“Canada’s swine flu shame,” www. guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/ jun/30/swine-flu-canada-first-nations/ print). Analysis 1. Do you agree with critics who claim that the federal government’s plan to deal with the swine flu epidemic has been flawed when it comes to First Nations communities? Why or why not?

2. Why is it that a wealthy country like Canada has large groups of people who are unable to access basic health care?

3. Do you think that health-care agencies should promote the use of alternative medical therapies such as traditional Aboriginal healing practices or naturopathy in order to deal with the swine flu outbreak? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 26 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU The “Spanish Lady”: The Flu Pandemic of 1918

“When your eyes begin to water and The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of Did you know . . . your nose turns blue, if your lips begin to the Deadliest Plague in History, “some Like the current swine flu virus, the Spanish quiver, then you’ve got the Spanish flu.” of the more horrific symptoms included flu’s victims of choice — A common saying in Canada in 1918 bleeding from your nose and mouth, were previously and from your ears or even your eyes. In healthy young people As public health officials in Canada and some cases, the floor would be covered between the ages of around the world anxiously awaited the in blood. It was an incredibly gruesome 20 and 40. arrival of the H1N1 pandemic in the situation.” last months of 2009, one thought was The Spanish flu took its deadliest toll uppermost in their minds: Would this among the poorest Canadians living in outbreak bear any resemblance to the small, overcrowded homes in working- devastating 1918 influenza pandemic class areas of cities like Toronto. Mabel nicknamed “The Spanish Lady”? This Royle, who worked as a volunteer virulent form of the disease made its first nurse during the epidemic in the west- deadly appearance in Spain in May 1918, end neighbourhood of York Township, hence its nickname. recalled that people were dying in such numbers that grave diggers at Prospect The Staggering Toll Park cemetery could not inter them fast Soldiers returning from the First World enough in the frozen earth that winter, War brought the flu home to Canada and and coffins were stacked like cordwood the United States later that year, with all over the burial grounds. In those horrific consequences. By the time the days, there were no antibiotics available, outbreak had spent itself in late 1919, and victims’ only hope for survival was an estimated 21 to 50 million people the strength of their natural immune worldwide had died from it, far more systems. People either recovered from or than the total military and civilian death succumbed to the Spanish Lady’s deadly toll for the war itself, which lasted from embrace, and all that caregivers could 1914 to 1918. In Canada, 50 000 people do was make their suffering a little less died, approximately the same number of painful while it lasted. Canadian soldiers killed in the fighting in Europe. In some small villages of Similarities with the 2009 H1N1 rural Quebec and the Maritimes, entire Outbreak populations were wiped out, and the Hana Weingartl, a medical researcher communities became permanent ghost with the Canadian Food Agency (CFA) towns. tested the resistance of pigs to both The Spanish flu struck quickly and the 1918 Spanish flu virus and a strain unexpectedly. Sometimes people went of swine flu isolated from a pig in to bed healthy and never woke up. Or 1930. She discovered that there was no they went to work in the morning feeling significant difference between the effects perfectly well and dropped dead before of the two viruses on pigs. These results returning home at the end of the day. indicate that the 1918 human influenza The symptoms were horrible, and death virus and the one that caused swine flu was agonizing, if mercifully quick. in the same year were substantially the According to John M. Barry, author of same thing.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 27 There are other disturbing similarities current swine flu virus is nowhere near Note between the two variants of influenza. as lethal as its 1918 cousin because it In 1918, the Spanish flu took about a Both strike the poor far more than lacks the genes that made the Spanish flu year to make its way the rich, since poor people live in so deadly to its human victims. around the globe. Air overcrowded conditions where the virus In addition, the availability of antiviral travel did not exist can spread easily. In 1918 there were medications and a possible vaccine, at that time. Today, many poor people living in the world; in to say nothing of vastly improved and H1N1 can board a 2009 there are billions more. far more accessible medical care to the jet plane anywhere in the world along general population, mean that a potential with its unsuspecting Reasons for Optimism H1N1 pandemic will kill far fewer passenger host and According to medical researchers at the victims than the Spanish Lady did in her arrive at any other Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease worldwide tour of death in 1918. destination within Control and Prevention (CDC), the hours, or days at the most. Analysis 1. How important is it for medical researchers to discover a link between the current H1N1 virus and the one that caused the Spanish flu in 1918? Why?

2. Do you think that a worldwide swine flu pandemic in 2009 could be as deadly as the Spanish Lady of 1918? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 28 CANADA AND THE SWINE FLU Activity: You Decide The Issue A number of observers are concerned that there may not be enough swine flu vaccine for every Canadian once it becomes available in the fall of 2009.

Your Task With a partner, or in a small group, develop a list of criteria to determine which groups of Canadians should be considered top priority to receive the swine flu vaccine first.

Before you generate your list, you may want to view the News in Review video again and consider the following: • Young people between the ages of 20 and 40 seem to be at higher risk than others of contracting H1N1. • Pregnant women are also considered to be high risk. • The skills and knowledge of health-care providers and professionals will be needed in the event of a pandemic. • Providers of essential services (e.g., police, firefighters, public transit workers) will be required to continue working in the event of a pandemic. • It is expected that the incidence of swine flu will be higher in low-income socio-economic groups and among First Nations people. • Transmission rates will be higher wherever humans are in close contact with one another (e.g., schools). Once you have created your list of criteria, you will be comparing your work with two other pairs or groups. You will have to convince the others that your criteria are correct, so make sure you have strong reasons for your rankings.

Our Criteria

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 29 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Introduction

It was supposed to be one of the closest and the Basij militia to stem the rising

elections in the history of the Islamic tide of the protestors. Within days of Download the mp3 of this Introduction Republic of Iran. Instead the “official” the election, 17 protestors were killed at newsinreview. results made it look like a landslide in skirmishes with authorities. Despite cbclearning.ca victory for President Mahmoud the brute force being used by the Iranian Ahmadinejad, as the incumbent raked government, the protestors pressed on. in over two-thirds of the votes. Iran’s The government also tried to shut Focus Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei down Web sites and cell service, but After a controversial presidential vote declared the results a “divine assessment.” young, techno-savvy Iranians bypassed in June 2009, the But there was something wrong with proxies and posted messages via the citizens of Iran took the numbers being tossed around by social networking site Twitter. Those to the streets to Iran’s election officials. First of all, the messages managed to disseminate challenge the validity results were announced before the polls information about government of the election closed. How can a nation declare an violence against protestors, despite the results. This News in election winner when people are still government’s attempts to block all media Review story looks at the controversy putting their votes into ballot boxes? coverage of the demonstrations. surrounding the Second, even if Ahmadinejad was the Within a week of the election, election and the mass victor, how did election officials manage Ayatollah Khamenei confirmed the protests that followed. to count close to 40 million votes election results despite irregularities so quickly when they were counting with close to three million votes. He told the votes by hand at polling stations protestors that further demonstrations Definition The term velvet scattered across the nation? would not be tolerated. He made good revolution refers These two problems, and a host of on his threat with the arrest of close to to a non-violent other voting irregularities, set off a a thousand protestors. In August 2009, revolution. The term series of protests in Tehran and a number nearly 100 reformists were accused of finds its origins in of other Iranian cities. Some claimed trying to overthrow the government and the non-violent that Iran had not seen such passionate were put on trial. demonstrations in protests since the Islamic Revolution Eventually the protests faded, but there Prague that eventually led to the collapse of of 1979. Hundreds of thousands of is no telling how much life the reform the Czechoslovakian protestors defied the Supreme Leader’s movement gained over the summer government in 1989. “divine assessment” and hit the streets of 2009. The Iranian government in support of reformist leader Mir establishment fears a velvet revolution is Hossein Mousavi and the other defeated brewing that will see the power structure candidates. shift from the ruling clerics to the The government scrambled to respond, surging reformers. summoning the Revolutionary Guard To Consider Governments that want to tightly control their country tend to fear public demonstrations and protests. Why might that be so? In what ways might public demonstrations actually be a good thing? Explain.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 30 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Video Review

See for Yourself Focus for Viewing View a photo gallery Review the following two scenarios before watching the documentary. Write of images taken your answers down in point form and share them with a classmate. during the Iran 1. Imagine if a Canadian prime minister appeared on TV and said that the demonstrations Holocaust never happened and that Israel needed to be destroyed. How at www.cbc. do you think Canadians would respond to these claims? How do you think ca/photogallery/ our allies would respond to these claims? How well do you think the prime world/2338/. minister would fare in the next election?

2. Imagine if a Canadian governor general met the press about a week after an election and speculated that about a million votes were cast under suspicious circumstances but, in the government’s opinion, there was no reason to order a recount or to overturn the results of the vote. How do you think Canadians would react to this kind of scenario?

Questions for Viewing As you watch this News in Review story, complete the following questions: 1. Why do experts claim that Iran plays a major role on the world stage?

2. Who holds the most powerful position in Iran? Who holds the second most powerful position?

3. What did reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi come to represent as the election moved toward the national vote?

4. What modern means did the reformers use to spread their message and organize their events?

5. (a) Early on voting day, who looked like they were going to win the election?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 31 (b) In the end, who was declared the winner? Did you know . . . Iranian-Canadians protested the Iranian 6. (a) How did the reformers react to the election results? election results in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and other (b) How did the government respond to the reformers? major centres across the country. 7. Who did President Ahmadinejad and his supporters blame for the civil unrest after the election?

8. What percentage of Iranians are under the age of 25? How did the under- 25 population circumvent government censorship to communicate during the crisis?

9. How did Supreme Leader Ali Khameini regain control in Iran? Describe the human cost of his decision.

10. About two-thirds of MPs chose not to attend President Ahmadinejad’s victory party. What message do you think this sent to the President and the Supreme Leader?

11. Where did things stand for the government and the reformers by the end of the documentary?

Post-Viewing Activity Before you watched the documentary you were asked to take part in two imaginary scenarios. Both of those scenarios are based on things that happened in Iranian politics during the presidential election campaign of 2009. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly claimed that the Holocaust never took place and has called for the destruction of the state of Israel. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini appeared on Iranian state television and admitted that around three million votes were cast under suspicious circumstances. However, he said the voting irregularities wouldn’t have affected the outcome of the election.

Based on this information, and what you learned from watching the video, why are the views of Ahmadinejad and Khamenei so troubling?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 32 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Election Outrage

Did you know . . . Reading Prompt Mahmoud As you read the following information, consider which factors contributed to Ahmadinejad was an the election outrage that surfaced in the summer of 2009. obscure figure when he was appointed Mistakes Made by the President deep into the campaign. His message of mayor of Tehran in Most political observers saw the economic and social reform finally found the spring of 2003. re-election of President Mahmoud a wider audience and, by the time the He was still relatively Ahmadinejad as a foregone conclusion election came on June 12, reformists felt unknown when he early in the campaign. By all accounts, that the election was theirs for the taking. won the second round Unfortunately, the hopes of the run-off vote in the Ahmadinejad’s support among his 2005 presidential constituents—mostly working-class reformists were soon dashed. Before election. Iranians and political conservatives— the polls even closed, the Interior was rock solid and more than enough to Ministry, the government agency that put him back in office. administered the election, declared However Ahmadinejad is famous for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the landslide saying and doing controversial things. victor, with 63 per cent of the vote. On the world stage, he is notorious for Almost immediately Ahmadinejad’s denying the Holocaust and declaring rivals cried foul. They contended that that Israel should be wiped off the face the President could not have garnered so of the Earth—comments that are so high a percentage of the vote. A higher alienating that it makes it difficult to voter turnout should have meant more keep diplomatic channels open with Iran. votes for the reform candidates. With He also courted controversy during voter turnout at 85 per cent, and the fact the election, making what many are that the election was declared in favour calling two serious mistakes: first, he of Ahmadinejad so early, the reformists claimed that revered former-president went on the hunt for voting irregularities. Hashemi Rasfanjani was involved in political corruption and later he held Voting Irregularities up the picture of the wife of his main They didn’t have to look very far. Almost rival during a televised debate and immediately reformists found electoral claimed that she obtained her university districts where the number of ballots degrees fraudulently. While many felt cast exceeded the number of voters on Ahmadinejad overpowered his opponents the voting list. They also discovered that in the debates, he unwittingly unleashed Ahmadinejad had substantially more the will of millions of undecided voters votes in his rival’s home districts, a with his antics. highly unlikely proposition according to most pundits. Mousavi had also received The Reform Movement Gains word that thousands of voters were Strength not allowed to vote, and thousands of Suddenly, voter apathy transformed election scrutineers were barred from into activism. Reformist Mir Hossein polling stations. Mousavi, viewed as a passive, uncharismatic candidate with Protests Erupt questionable leadership qualities early The reform candidates were quick to in the race, became the voice of change mobilize their constituents. Within hours

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 33 of the Interior Ministry’s announcement, Supreme Leader’s speech there were Did you know . . . thousands of people in Tehran protested protests—but not nearly on the scale The Islamic Revolution occurred during 1978 publicly. The next day, hundreds of seen previously. Many of the protestors and 1979 when Islamic thousands of people took to the streets were arrested, and about 100 were put fundamentalists of Tehran and many other cities around on trial for attempting to overthrow the overthrew the Iran. Protestors chanted “Death to the Iranian government. country’s secular dictator,” “God is great,” and “Where’s The chasm between the two sides (nonreligious) my vote?” in demonstrations that have widened once the Guardian Council monarchy. The new Islamic Republic of been called the most passionate since the delivered the results of their investigation Iran rejected Western Islamic Revolution led to the formation into the election. The Council found that, influences and was of the republic in 1979. in 50 Iranian cities, the number of votes guided by Shia Islamic The protests were not without cast had exceeded the number of voters teachings. violence. At least 17 people were killed to the tune of about three million votes. in clashes with the Revolutionary They concluded that, even if the three Guard and the Basij militia. Despite million votes were given to Mousavi the violence, people protested by the or one of the other defeated candidates, hundreds of thousands. Eventually, a there still would not be enough ballots partial recount of the votes was allowed. to topple Ahmadinejad, who finished However, a partial recount was not 11 million votes ahead. In their eyes, enough for the reformists. They wanted Ahmadinejad had won his bid for the presidential election results nullified president fairly. and a whole new election to take place. As the summer of 2009 pressed on, On June 19, Supreme Leader the protests continued, and a deep Khamenei went on state television sense of unrest set in. Politicians and and told the protestors to cease their clerics began openly challenging the demonstrations. He warned them that Supreme Leader—something unheard they would be held responsible for any of in Iranian politics. Mousavi and his bloodshed stemming from their protests. reformist colleagues continued to call The people of Iran understood that this for a nullification of the vote. But in meant the Supreme Leader was willing early August 2009 Khamenei formally to let loose the Revolutionary Guard and endorsed the presidency of Mahmoud Basij, leading to a massive escalation Ahmadinejad, employing a strategy that in the level of violence heaped upon appeared to suggest, “If you ignore the protestors. In the days following the problem, there is no problem.” Analysis At the end of this section, the author makes a claim that the Iranian establishment was employing a strategy that seemed to suggest, “If you ignore the problem, there is no problem.” How is this evident in the government’s response to the election crisis?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 34 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Iran: The View from the West

One of the hallmarks of modern Iranian and 53 embassy personnel were taken Note political rhetoric is a healthy dose of hostage. The hostages were finally set When news organizations speak anti-West chatter. In fact, in Supreme free the day new U.S. President Ronald of Iran’s distrust of Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s first Reagan was inaugurated. To say that the the West, they are televised address after the disputed diplomatic relationship between the U.S. speaking of Western election of June 2009, he started his and Iran has been tense ever since would democracies like the speech by warning the “arrogant powers” be an understatement. U.S., Canada, and of the West that an 85 per cent turnout at Britain. the polls showed the democratic strength Iran’s Nuclear Program of the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile Today, the most pressing international Did you know . . . President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad problem that the West faces in dealing During the Iranian routinely blamed the West—namely with Iran has to do with Iran’s desire hostage crisis, 53 Britain and the U.S.—for inciting riots in to build nuclear power facilities. The Americans were held Tehran in the post-election period. hostage in Iran for West worries that Iran is also trying 444 days. The United It is not like Iran has no reason to to build nuclear weapons and, since States military made distrust the West. Britain is often referred Iran already has the ability to launch a failed attempt to to as the “little Satan” who flexed its warheads to Israel and Europe, observers rescue the hostages, imperial muscles in the late 1800s and are very concerned. For its part, the which resulted in the most of the 1900s to control the social, Iranians claim that they have no desire crash of two aircraft political, and economic activity of Iran to build nuclear weapons and that the and the deaths of eight U.S. servicemen and other nations in the Middle East. international community has no right and one Iranian Meanwhile the U.S. is called the “Great to interfere with their desire to develop civilian. Satan.” The main reason Iranians see nuclear facilities. the U.S. as their ultimate enemy comes In the era after the terrorist attacks from the fact that the CIA, working with of September 11, 2001, the United British intelligence, helped overthrow States engaged in military operations in the democratically elected government of Afghanistan and then in Iraq. Despite Mohammad Mossadeq in 1953 in favour intentions, this made Iran stronger. of the unpopular dictatorship of Shah With two of its neighbours more or less Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Shah occupied by foreign troops, Iran was able ruled with an iron fist up to 1979, when to take advantage of instability in the the Islamic Revolution forced him out of region and improve its financial fortune power. in oil revenues and other economic activity. Another thing that helped Iran Iranian Hostage Crisis was George W. Bush’s labelling of The Shah fled the country and soon the nation as part of the “axis of evil.” discovered he had serious health Iranians had the confirmation they problems that needed expert medical needed that the “Great Satan” was out to attention. President Jimmy Carter get them, and Iranian nationalism surged. allowed the Shah to come to the U.S. for treatment. Iranians were furious with Can U.S. President Obama Usher Carter and the U.S. so they protested in a New Era? outside the U.S. embassy in Tehran. With the victory of Barack Obama in What started as a mass protest turned 2008, a new era of diplomacy began. into a storming of the embassy itself, Obama knew that the adversarial politics

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 35 of the past was no way to deal with a the protestors. He also wanted to keep potential nuclear power. Obama seemed diplomatic channels open with Iran. to appreciate the fact that Iran took Negotiating with Iran can be a major exception to the U.S. and sought difficult proposition. Iran has often been to remedy the situation as soon as he characterized as a closed society. While took office. One of the first things he did there are democratic elements to the was let Iran know that he was willing to Iranian government system, the power open diplomatic channels on a variety of of the Supreme Leader makes the nation issues, including the nuclear issue. very close to a dictatorship. When the In March 2009, he broadcast an election results of 2009 were challenged, address to the people of Iran where he the Khamenei government shut down laid out his approach: “This [diplomatic] Web sites and cell services, mobilized process will not be advanced by threats. the Revolutionary Guard, and locked We seek instead engagement that is foreign journalists in their hotel rooms. honest and grounded in mutual respect” Meanwhile President Ahmadinejad (Toronto Star, March 21, 2009). Later, called the hundreds of thousands of when the presidential election results people protesting the election results were challenged by the reformists, the equivalent of soccer hooligans Obama was quick to condemn who weren’t happy they lost the game. government violence against protestors If Western countries hope to keep but was careful not to attack the Iranian diplomatic channels open with Iran they government specifically. He didn’t want will need to be prepared for many bumps his attacks to be used by the government along the road. as an excuse to escalate violence against

Analysis 1. Why is Iran so suspicious of the West? Do you feel their concerns are historically warranted?

2. What has President Obama done to open diplomatic channels with Iran?

3. What challenges does the West have when it comes to communicating with the government of Iran?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 36 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Youth Revolution

In 2005, disillusioned youth stayed prior to the debate. Many observers Did you know . . . away from polling booths as Mahmoud believe that Mousavi’s wife, Zahra Supporters of Mousavi adopted the colour Ahmadinejad swept his way into power. Rahnavard, was giving life to his green. Young Iranians In 2009, political pundits expected the campaign and drawing women and were seen wearing same thing. Iran tends to be a nation young people to the reformist side. An green clothing, green where older men run the show and accomplished scholar, author, artist, nail polish, green eye youth are told to stay in line. However, and one-time university chancellor, shadow, and waving something sparked the interest of young Rahnavard drew rock-star-style green banners and scarves. people, as the presidential election enthusiasm to her husband’s campaign. became a lightning rod for change and This did not go unnoticed by reform. Ahmadinejad and, in an effort to All four presidential candidates knew discredit Rahnavard, he took aim they needed to court the youth vote. at his opponent’s wife in one of the With close to 70 per cent of the Iranian debates. Ahmadinejad pulled a picture population under the age of 30, the of Rahnavard out of an official looking candidates knew that young Iranians file (some believe it was her intelligence could be their ticket to power. Of the file) and held it up to the camera. He four men vying for the presidency, Mir then proceeded to claim that Rahnavard Hossein Mousavi was by far the most obtained her university degrees effective at reaching youth. Mousavi by bending government rules. The used his Web site and a companion president’s supporters loved the tactic, Facebook site (where he quickly but his opponents, and many undecided attracted close to 40 000 supporters) to Iranian voters, thought the attack was get his message out to young people. unwarranted and unfounded. Mousavi delivered a platform For her part, Rahnavard demanded that vowed to get Iran’s 25 per cent an apology from Ahmadinejad saying, inflation rate under control and “Either he cannot tolerate highly improve unemployment. He hammered educated women or he’s discouraging Ahmadinejad for squandering close women from playing an active role to $300-billion in oil revenue over his in society” (Toronto Star, June 12, four-year term and soundly criticized 2009). Rahnavard’s conduct was gold the president for damaging Iran’s for the Mousavi campaign. Suddenly international reputation with his anti- people were flocking to gather as much Israel rants and Holocaust denial. information on the man and his crusade Mousavi also vowed to introduce as they could find. Overwhelmingly, measures designed to improve women’s women and youth flocked to the would- rights and Iran’s diplomatic standing in be president’s side. the global community. The Role of Telecommunications Momentum Shifts Technology Things changed dramatically for When election day came, and Mousavi after one of the televised Ahmadinejad was declared the winner, presidential debates. His campaign had Iranians went to Mousavi’s site for been gaining momentum in the weeks guidance, only to find that the site was

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 37 unavailable. They turned to their cell For its part, the Iranian government Further Research phones. Cell service was also down. The shut down reformist Web sites and Learn more about the movement toward timing of the communication breakdown disrupted cell services as much as they an open Internet seemed too coincidental. With visions of could. However, young, techno-savvy experience and the government conspiracies in their head, Iranians would not be deterred. Many software of Psiphon at angry Mousavi supporters took to the used a cyber back door developed by http://psiphon.ca. streets. Canadians at the University of Toronto’s In the days that followed, when Citizen Lab. Psiphon is a software Mousavi’s site was available, he package that allows people to form encouraged his supporters to keep up the trusted groups. Once in these trusted fight, to demand a new election, and to groups, the software allows members to let their voices by heard. He discouraged communicate undetected by government violence and, when the government communication experts. Psiphon was resorted to violence, he encouraged his designed to be used in precisely the kind supporters to publically mourn for those of circumstances distraught Iranians who died. While Mousavi did his best found themselves in during the summer to get his message out to the people, the of 2009. voice of the protest movement really The disputed presidential election came from the people themselves. may have done irreparable damage to Twitter users communicated protest the government of Supreme Leader locations and times to each other. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He openly They also sent messages to friends showed his support for the re-election who lived in Toronto, London, Paris, of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and New York, providing the world and, when the results were announced, it with eyewitness accounts of what was looked like the fix was in. In essence, by going on in Iran. In fact, Twitter was so not addressing the voting irregularities widely used during the weeks after the that he admits occurred, he has left the June 12 vote that the U.S. government disaffected youth who so passionately asked Twitter administrators to avoid participated in the protests with doing maintenance and upgrades that ammunition going into the next election. might disrupt the protestors’ ability At that point they will be four years older to communicate. Protestors also used and may no longer have an appetite for Facebook to share their stories, and the heavy-handedness of the Supreme some Iranians managed to post videos of Leader and his band of old men. protests and skirmishes with police on YouTube. Analysis 1. List some of the main ideas of Mir Hossein Mousavi during the election of 2009. Why would this platform appeal to youth?

2. How did Zhara Rahnavard help her husband’s election campaign?

3. How did protestors use technology to communicate after the election results were announced?

4. What do the Supreme Leader and President have to worry about going into the next election?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 38 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT The Governments of Canada and Iran

Canada and Iran have very different government structures. Canada is clearly a Definition democracy that sees power divided within a constitutional monarchy framework Theocracy means but with the power clearly resting with elected officials. On the other hand, “rule by God.” It Iran is often referred to as a quasi-democracy because the real power lies with refers to a state that is unelected religious clerics, and only a small share of the power is in the hands governed by religious of elected politicians. Take a look at the tables below and complete the activity leaders using religious teaching and laws. that follows.

Canada Iran

Type of Government Democracy Theocracy Head of State Queen or King — represented by the Supreme Leader (lifetime Governor General (term appointment) appointment)

Head of Government Prime Minister (elected) President (elected)

Administration Cabinet (drafts legislation that is then Council of Guardians (has the power put before Parliament for a vote) to strike down laws passed by the National Assembly; also approves all candidates running for public office)

Legislature Parliament (elected) Majlis or National Assembly (elected)

Other government bodies Senate (“the house of sober second Assembly of Experts (composed of 86 thought,” reviews and approves clerics who monitor the performance legislation passed in Parliament) of the Supreme Leader)

Activity Go online and see if you can find out who currently holds key positions of power in the Canadian and Iranian governments. Just write the names of each person you discover in pencil beside the person’s position (e.g., Supreme Leader – Ayatollah Khamenei). For positions like the Canadian Cabinet and the Iranian Council of Guardians, see if you can find one or two names for each.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 39 IRAN’S SUMMER OF DISCONTENT Activity: Driven to Protest

At the height of the struggle between protestors and the Revolutionary Note Guard in the post-election frenzy in Iran, a young woman became the face During the Islamic of the protest movement. Neda Agha-Soltan was gunned down, apparently Revolution of by a member of the Basij militia—a group under the direct control of the 1979, protestors Revolutionary Guard. Her death was captured on video and posted on YouTube. communicated by People were appalled when they saw images of her last moments of life and spray painting protest directed their anger at the Iranian establishment in the form of more protests. locations on the sides of buildings and The government responded by forbidding any commemoration of Agha-Soltan’s shouting directions death and threatening to put a stop to anyone who attempted to make the from the rooftops of young woman a martyr for the reformist cause. Tehran. Even during the 2009 protests, Imagine that you are part of the reformist protest movement in Iran in the when the government summer of 2009. You have just received a Twitter message reporting the death disrupted cell phone of a protestor and understand that a video of the event has been posted on services and shut YouTube. The government says that the video is a fake and that it was produced down Web sites, by the BBC and CNN. You are incensed. protestors spray painted information How will you mobilize your fellow protestors to demonstrate against the on cardboard to direct government’s use of force against this innocent young woman? fellow activists to protest locations. Technology available: • Cell phone – phone calls and text messaging • Video cameras • Internet – personal Web sites, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter Your Task Make a plan that outlines what you will do to help mobilize fellow protestors in Iran.

Your plan will be accepted in any of the following formats: • Written report: two pages • Web site: two pages • Audio or video podcast: four to six minutes in length

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 40 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET Introduction

Imagine you have worked your entire life everything from automotive brakes to

at an asbestos mine in your hometown. textiles to children’s play dough. It was Download the mp3 of this Introduction It is the best job in town and also pretty valued for its strength, versatility, and at newsinreview. much the only job in town. You have heat resistant properties. Canada was cbclearning.ca given the best years of your life to the once the largest exporter of asbestos company and now your son is all set to in the world. In the 1970s, however, Focus follow in your footsteps. Life has treated Canada had to rethink its relationship Asbestos is a mineral you pretty well except that you’ve with asbestos after information surfaced that was once developed a hacking cough you can’t that asbestos fibres caused cancer. widely used in the seem to shake. Your wife has not been Over the following decades, those in construction industry. feeling well either, so you both go to the the asbestos industry, and those who But because it can doctor. made money from the asbestos industry, cause severe lung The doctor quietly tells you that you battled against critics who wanted to problems, its use in this country is both have an incurable disease called eliminate the use of asbestos. As health limited. Most asbestos mesothelioma. It is from the asbestos concerns continued to mount, the produced in Canada is that you shovelled and sorted throughout asbestos industry faced a mountain of shipped to developing your career. You are shocked—you had lawsuits. By the 1990s, the United States countries. In this News no idea that breathing asbestos in the government was so concerned about in Review story we mine would harm you. You are also the health impacts from asbestos that look at how those confused about your wife’s diagnosis the Environmental Protection Agency sales are helping a dying industry in because she has never stepped foot in banned the use of most types of asbestos. Canada but sickening a mine. That is when the doctor tells The European Union soon followed suit, and killing workers in you that just washing your work clothes along with 40 other countries. countries like India. exposed her to the fatal asbestos fibres. Bowing to international pressure, Although this story is fictional, it could Canada has virtually stopped the use of Quote be the true story of any of the thousands asbestos within the country. It has not “All forms of asbestos of people who have worked with stopped producing asbestos, however, are responsible for asbestos in Canada. and is currently the only developed a high incidence of Asbestos has been mined in Canada nation to globally promote and export lung cancer and are since the late 1800s and was used in asbestos. so dangerous that a safe exposure level is unknown at this To Consider time.” — World Health How do you think the asbestos miner and his wife felt when they found out Organization, 1988 they were dying? What if they found out their employer knew that breathing asbestos fibres could make people very ill and maybe even kill them? What do you think should be done for affected workers? What do you think should happen to companies who knowingly endanger their workers?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 41 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET Video Review

Further Research Pre-Viewing Questions Visit the Web site Before you watch this story, complete these questions in the spaces provided. of Ban Asbestos 1. Is it right for businesses to sell items that they know will likely make Network in India to people unhealthy? Why or why not? learn more about concerns associated with asbestos: http:// banasbestosindia. blogspot.com

Further Research 2. We know that candy, pop, and other sugary foods are often used Visit the Web site incorrectly (meaning we eat too much of them) and that this leads to of the Chrysotile health problems like obesity and diabetes. Should businesses that sell such Institute, the voice of products be liable if people who consume these foods incorrectly become the asbestos industry, sick? That is, should they be able to be sued? Or do you think that people to learn more about themselves are responsible for what they put into their bodies? its position on the safety and benefits of asbestos: www. chrysotile.com.

3. Do you feel it is right for a country to sell a substance overseas that has been banned for use in another country? Why or why not?

Viewing Questions Watch the story and complete the following questions. 1. Name three things asbestos was/is used for.

2. Which Canadian province mines asbestos?

3. What country imported 40 million tonnes of asbestos last year?

4. Why have 40 countries already banned the production of asbestos?

5. What is asbestos-related disease referred to in India?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 42 6. How much has the Canadian government spent to teach the public that chrysotile (or white) asbestos is safe when used properly?

7. What is wrong with the way asbestos is being handled by workers in India?

8. How many people die each year from asbestos-related diseases?

Post-Viewing Questions Work with a partner, or in a small group, to complete the following. 1. What facts did you find disturbing in the video and why?

2. What should Canada be doing if it is going to sell asbestos to other countries?

3. The asbestos industry creates many jobs in Canada, provides revenue for the Canadian government, and stimulates the Canadian economy. If asbestos production and export is completely banned in Canada, there will likely not be replacement jobs available for all those who are forced out of work. How do we balance the need for jobs and income with the ethics of producing and shipping a product that causes cancer?

4. What is the difference between allowing companies to sell pop and candy to Canadians and allowing companies to sell asbestos overseas? Is there a difference?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 43 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET History of Asbestos

As you read the following information, ask yourself in what ways asbestos has Did you know . . . contributed to the economy of Canada and consider the role it has played in the Asbestos, Quebec, was lives of many Canadians and their local communities. the site of one of the most violent and bitter labour disputes in The Boom Years the six mines were closed. Capacity Quebec and Canadian Canada has had a long relationship with dropped from 300 000 tonnes (from the history. At midnight asbestos. First mined in Quebec in the 1970s) to 70 000. Since 1979, production on February 14, 1949, 1870s, the industry thrived for about 100 has declined 44 per cent, and thousands miners walked off the years. Quebec had the world’s largest of workers have lost their jobs. job at four asbestos open pit mine—the Jeffrey Mine—which mines in the Eastern Townships. The mines was located in the province’s Eastern Support from the Government were owned by Townships. The industry played such In the 1980s, the asbestos industry in English-Canadian or a significant role in Quebec that the Quebec tried to improve the tarnished American companies, province actually named a town— image of asbestos that was destroying and the workers Asbestos—after it. the industry. Backed by the Canadian were almost entirely The world fell in love with asbestos. government, the industry spent millions francophone. The on research and to fight bans on the strike lasted for four Its extremely strong fibres make months. it virtually indestructible and very product at home and abroad. In 1984, versatile. It was woven into clothes, used Ottawa established the Asbestos Institute, in building insulation, and had roughly a non-profit organization to promote the Quote 4 000 other applications. Sadly, it was safe use of white asbestos. “Most of these health even mixed with children’s modelling But there is still money to be made, hazards come from the past use of amphibole dough. and since the mid-1980s the federal asbestos and from By the end of the First World War, government has spent approximately inappropriate Canada had become the world’s $20-million promoting the safe and practices such as largest supplier of asbestos, expanding responsible use of chrysotile asbestos, sprayed-on insulation. operations to British Columbia and now mined only in Quebec. MP Pat These practices have Newfoundland. Martin, a former asbestos miner, has been discontinued called this “corporate welfare for in Canada since the The Tide Turns 1970s.” — Ministry corporate serial killers” (Bob Sass, of Natural Resources By the late 1960s, it was apparent there Briarpatch, November 2007). The web site (“Asbestos: was a problem with asbestos. More and Canadian Medical Association Journal The magic mineral more miners had shortness of breath, in 2008 referred to Canada as “an avid that was once extreme fatigue, and were coughing asbestos cheerleader” and calls the last Canada’s gold,” up blood. Studies linking asbestos to 25 years of Liberal and Conservative www.cbc.ca/canada/ diseases such as lung cancer, scarred government support for the industry story/2009/06/10/f- asbestos-safety.html) lungs (asbestosis), and mesothelioma— a “shameful manipulation of science” cancer of the stomach and chest, which (“Canada an ‘avid cheerleader’ for is only caused by exposure to asbestos— asbestos,” cbc.ca, October 21, 2008) began to surface. According to epidemiologist, Irving Twenty years later, the industry was in Selikoff, a world leader in asbestos trouble. Quebec had become the centre research, approximately 270 000 people of the asbestos controversy, and many have died from asbestos-exposure injuries customers began phasing out the mineral between 1980 and 2009 (Jock Ferguson, from their products. By 1985, three of The Globe and Mail, January 25, 1986).

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 44 Exports to Developing Nations companies that do not use chrysotile in a Health concerns have resulted in the safe manner. But Canada cannot regulate ban of asbestos in over 40 countries. how asbestos is used in other countries. But despite the decline in customers Many observers report that it is common in developed nations, the market for to find workers in India shovelling heaps asbestos has grown in developing of asbestos while dressed in only shorts nations. These new markets are valued at and flip flops. They wear no protective approximately $93-million a year. India clothing or breathing apparatus. Author is now Canada’s largest customer, buying and consultant Barry Castleman claims, about 25 per cent of the asbestos mined “Anyone who says there’s controlled use in Canada. of asbestos in the Third World is either The Canadian government states that a liar or a fool” (The Globe and Mail, the asbestos industry does not export to October 27, 2007). Discussion Consider all the ways that asbestos has contributed to the economy of Canada and the role it has played in the lives of many Canadians and their local communities. Will asbestos have the same impact on the economies and communities of developing nations? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 45 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET The Safety Debate

Asbestos, once called a miracle mineral The World Health Organization, Did you know . . . for its strength, versatility, and flame- however, disagrees. In 1998 it stated that Currently 96 per cent of the asbestos retardant properties, is now considered to all forms of asbestos were linked to lung produced in Canada be a Class 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing cancer and that there is no safe exposure is used to make agent). But what exactly is asbestos and level. In 2007, the United States Senate asbestos cement for is it really dangerous? Committee on Environment and Public construction in the Asbestos is actually a naturally Works voted for a complete ban on developing world. occurring mineral found on most of asbestos use. In July 2007, the Canadian — Canadian Medical Association Journal, the Earth’s continents. The mineral is Cancer Society issued its own statement October 21, 2008 composed of extremely strong fibres calling for Canada to stop exporting that can be spun or woven to produce chrysotile to developing nations because such items as asphalt, cement, shingles, of its link to asbestos-related diseases. insulation, brake lines, furnaces, and Those who support the continued textiles. production and export of asbestos argue that previous health problems Types of Asbestos associated with asbestos occurred during There are two basic types of asbestos: a time where knowledge about the safe amphibole and serpentine. By the 1980s handling of possibly toxic products did it was universally agreed that amphibole not exist. They also argue that current asbestos was deadly—and it was banned safety standards mean that those who worldwide. The type of asbestos made in do work with asbestos are protected. Canada is chrysotile, from the serpentine Furthermore, supporters argue that with family. The only form of asbestos still proper handling chrysotile asbestos is mined and sold in the world today is safe and has an important role to play in chrysotile. It is estimated that the amount the economy of developing nations. of asbestos used around the world is The Chrysotile Institute represents about two million metric tonnes per year. the Canadian asbestos industry. The institute was organized to market the safe Is it safe? handling and use of chrysotile asbestos There are varying reports about the to global markets, and it claims that this safety of chrysotile. There are those type of asbestos is valuable and safe who have argued, and continue to argue, when used properly. The following quote that chrysotile is completely harmless. is taken from the Chrysotile Institute In 1983, for example, Ontario’s Royal Newsletter (December, 2008): “. . . in Commission on Asbestos, in “Asbestos 1993, the World Health Organization in Buildings,” concluded that “. . . public determined that there was no clear fear of exposure to asbestos in schools, evidence that drinking water distributed office buildings, and drinking water in asbestos cement pipes constituted a was unfounded.” And in 1985, former health risk. What should be known about MP Robert Layton claimed that he aqueduct pipes in emerging countries would like to put chrysotile in his coffee is that the lack of drinking water is to prove how safe it was (Charlotte responsible for eight million deaths per Montgomery, The Globe and Mail, year, of which 50 per cent are children, October 5, 1985). that the main diseases related to the

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 46 absence of drinking water are diarrhea, yourself and tell others to use it safely” cholera, malaria, and typhoid. Over one (“Asbestos: Canada’s Ugly Secret,” billion people do not have convenient CBC, August 2009). and affordable access to drinking Although chrysotile asbestos is being water when chrysotile can offer this used in some countries, over 40 countries possibility.” have completely banned all forms of the Critics of the asbestos industry argue mineral, including the European Union, that chrysotile is extremely dangerous, Australia, and Chile. To date, Canada, and that it is wrong to export this product Russia, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan have to developing nations when its use in been successful in keeping chrysotile Canada is extremely limited. Gopal asbestos off the United Nation’s list Krishna, of the Ban Asbestos Network of of banned substances. The Rotterdam India, argues: “The chrysotile asbestos, Convention, which controls trade in the if it safe, why is it not used in Canada? world’s most hazardous chemicals and Why did the House of Commons get pesticides, gives countries the right to be decontaminated of chrysotile asbestos? informed about, and to refuse, extremely Use it safely in Canada and then hazardous chemicals and pesticides. preach to the rest of the world that it Chrysotile is still not listed on the can be safely used. This is the height Rotterdam Convention’s list. of hypocrisy that you don’t use it Analysis 1. Is asbestos safe? The material you’ve just read presents information on both sides of this issue. How do we determine which side is most correct?

2. One way you can determine how credible, or believable, a statement is is to look carefully at who the speaker is and what their affiliation or credentials are. For example, the Chrysotile Institute is the voice of the asbestos industry. So it is not surprising that the quote above says that chrysotile is safe and has many benefits. This does not mean that the information is incorrect, but we are right to be cautious of any claims the institute makes.

In your notebook, write down a selection of quotes from this feature and analyze the credibility of the information and the speaker. Based on your analysis, decide which two or three seem the strongest.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 47 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET Asbestos by the Numbers

As you read the information in this feature, ask yourself which information Did you know . . . could be used to create a pamphlet or poster about this issue. Concerns about asbestos date back to first century Rome Asbestos around the World colon, larynx, esophagus, kidney, and with the writings of • The world’s use of asbestos is around some types of lymphoma. Roman senator Pliny. two million metric tonnes per year. • It can take from 10 to 40 years or more He observed that • Russia produces 40 per cent of the for symptoms of an asbestos-related slaves who wove with world’s asbestos, employing over condition to appear. asbestos were often sick. 500 000 people. • In 1993, the World Heath Organization • India is the world’s biggest importer (WHO) determined that there was of asbestos (India imported 306 000 no clear evidence that drinking water metric tonnes of asbestos in 2006, distributed in asbestos cement pipes about 153 000 metric tonnes from constituted a health risk. Russia, 64 000 metric tonnes from • The International Labour Organization Canada, 49 000 metric tonnes from has calculated that over 100 000 people Kazakhstan, and 35 000 metric tonnes worldwide suffer premature deaths from Brazil). from asbestos-related cancers and • Asbestos is used in over 3 000 products, disease each year. including asphalt, cement, rakes, roof • The WHO estimates between five and shingles, thermal clothing, insulation, 10 million people will ultimately die thermal and acoustic protection, paints, from asbestos-related diseases. cardboard, paper, suspended ceilings, • One study found that nearly 70 per filters, clutches, wall coverings, boilers, cent of World Trade Center rescue and furnaces. and recovery workers suffered new or • Used for over 100 years, fibre cement worsened respiratory symptoms while pipes contain approximately 90 per performing work at the World Trade cent cement and 10 per cent chrysotile Center site. fibres. History of Health Concerns Asbestos and Health • In 1898, British factory inspectors • The most common diseases caused warned that asbestos “easily by asbestos exposure are malignant demonstrated danger to the health of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer workers (Toronto Star, August 16, that affects the thin membranes 2008). lining the abdomen and chest, and • In 1918, life insurance companies lung cancer. Other common diseases refused to insure asbestos workers. directly linked to asbestos exposure • In the early 1900s Ontario and are asbestosis, a nonmalignant disease Quebec legislators passed laws to that causes scarring of the lung prevent workers from suing for health tissue, and asbestos pleural disease, damage if they accepted workers’ a nonmalignant disease that causes compensation. scarring of the thin membranes lining the lung and chest. Asbestos can also • In 1930, a report was tabled in the cause cancer of the digestive tract, British Parliament that linked asbestos

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 48 fibres to fibrosis of the lungs. Asbestos • The federal government is spending company physicians made choices hundreds of millions of dollars to beginning in that time period to not remove asbestos from the Parliament tell employees they were ill or facing Buildings because it is considered to be terrible health consequences. (The dangerous to health. Globe and Mail, January 25, 1986). • At it’s peak, the industry employed • In the 1970s the dangers associated thousands in Quebec, British Columbia, with working with asbestos came to the and Newfoundland. forefront of public concern. • The industry currently employs fewer than 500 workers in Quebec. Asbestos and Canada • The industry currently accounts for • Mining of chrysotile deposits started in $93-million a year in export revenue. Quebec in 1878. • Over the past 20 years, the federal • Canada sells 95 per cent of its asbestos government has given the Chrysotile to developing nations where workplace Institute over $20-million (the safety is virtually non-existent. Chrysotile Institute lobbies for the • Canada’s best customer is India (25 per safe and responsible use of asbestos in cent of all exports). developing nations). Activity Design a pamphlet, series of pamphlets, or a poster that will inform others about this issue. Make sure you incorporate visual images, or the use of colour effectively, to increase the impact of your product.

You might be able to display your products in the foyer of your school to increase public awareness of this issue.

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 49 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET International Asbestos Sales Controversy

The asbestos industry generates wealth in Canada and provides jobs for many Canadians. But there is a significant body of medical research that identifies asbestos as a carcinogen and a serious health hazard. This body of research has resulted in the Canadian government virtually halting the use of asbestos in this country. Yet the government allows, and even encourages, the export of asbestos to developing nations.

Not surprisingly, this issue generates great controversy and heated debate. As you read the following quotes, identify whether or not each supports the international sale of asbestos and record the main piece of evidence used in the argument.

“The commercial tactics of the asbestos industry are very similar to those of the tobacco industry. The asbestos industry is progressively transferring its commercial activities and the health hazards to developing countries.” — Dr. Irving Selikoff quoted in an article by Andre Picard, The Globe and Mail, February 20, 2001 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______“It is better that society use its limited financial resources in learning how to live safely with this valuable material than in attempting to remove it totally from the environment. Physicians and others in medicine and biology, on the other hand, must continue to drive home to the public the far greater causes of morbidity, such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, improper diet, and inadequate exercise.” — J. Amer, Report by the council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association, 1991 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______“The question of health is less of an issue where the life expectancy is only 35.” — Daniel Perlstein, former head of Quebec’s Crown asbestos corporation, in an article by Charlotte Montgomery, The Globe and Mail, October 5, 1985 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______“Today’s asbestos industry, with all its modern protection techniques, is absolutely harmless. There hasn’t been one case of asbestos-caused disease for many years in Asbest, Russia, which has the world’s largest asbestos factory. Locally produced asbestos does not cause any harm.” — Tatiana Kochetova of the Asbest-based Institute Asbestos Project, a state-run scientific organization that studies the asbestos mineral, quoted in an article by Dmitry Bulgakov, The Russia Journal, September 9, 2009 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 50 “Canada and Russia’s objections to listing chrysotile asbestos are embarrassingly self-interested, protecting domestic exporters interested in selling this dangerous chemical abroad. Chrysotile unequivocally meets the Rotterdam Convention’s requirements, and those governments opposing its listing blatantly disregard the treaty obligations.” — Clifton Curtis, Director of the Global Toxics Program of the Worldwide Wildlife Fund, in a 2004 press release Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

“To continue to do what we have been doing means that we are putting local political considerations and our desire for dollars over the health of Canadian workers and the welfare of the vulnerable people in those economically needy and unregulated nations that are most easily persuaded to buy our toxic mineral. Canada must stop the mining, processing, and selling asbestos, after setting up a mechanism to preserve the security and dignity of its asbestos workers.” — Toronto Star editorial, September 21, 2004 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

“We do not believe that the science suggests or indicates that asbestos cannot be used safely. We will do everything that we can, given our limited resources, to ensure and to promote its safe use.” — Gary Nash, assistant deputy minister of the Canadian Department of Natural Resources, in an interview with Ginny Stein, September 29, 2004, www.asbestosnetwork.com Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

“Asbestos was an early victim of junk science and enviro-fear propaganda. Had the top floors contained asbestos the towers would have stood for four hours, saving 5 000 lives.” — Professor Art Robinson, founder of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, after the collapse the of World Trade Center towers in New York on September 11, 2001, The Wall Street Journal, October 10, 2001 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

“All forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos, are carcinogenic. This is the view of every independent organization that has examined the health risks of asbestos, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Environmental Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Collegium Ramazzini, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Medical Association Journal, The Lancet, the International Labour Organization (ILO).” — Right On Canada, Canadian public advocacy network (www.rightoncanada.ca/?p=369) Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 51 “We have known about the hazards of asbestos exposure for nearly 70 years, and the evidence today that exposure to asbestos of all forms causes cancer and asbestosis is incontrovertible. Governments that attempt to suppress science and scientists do so at the peril of damaging their credibility in the international community. I call on the Canadian government to ban asbestos, as the World Health Organization has urged.” — Dr. Leslie Stayner, Director of the Univeristy of Illinois School of Public Health (www.rightoncanada.ca) Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

“In Canada, in the U.S., in Europe, in pretty well every developed country, we have gone to great lengths to not use it at all or in only the very, very smallest quantities because in advanced countries, it can’t really be used safely. And then we think that in India it’s going to be used safely? What nonsense. . . . They really are merchants of death. It’s as simple as that.” — Amir Attaran, Canadian Medical Association Journal Editorial Board member and Canadian Research Chair in Global Development Policy at the University of Ottawa Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______“It is better that society use its limited financial resources in learning how to live safely with this valuable material than in attempting to remove it totally from the environment . . . we have the most essential facts and, if anything, we should surely be encouraging the search for and exploitation of chrysotile which, free from amphiboles, is a remarkably safe and valuable natural resource.” — Chrysotile Institute Newsletter, December 2008 Supportive of international asbestos sales? Yes ____ No ____ Reason: ______

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 52 ASBESTOS: CANADA’S UGLY SECRET Activity: Should Canada stop selling asbestos? Your Task Write an opinion paragraph to answer the question: Should Canada stop selling asbestos to other nations? You are expected to include sufficient evidence (four or five points) in your paragraph to support your position. Be prepared to share your paragraph with your classmates.

Getting Started Before you begin to write your opinion paragraph, complete the chart below with point-form notes. To help you complete the chart, you may wish to: • Review some of the information in this resource guide. • Watch this News in Review video a second time.

Asbestos Fact Summary Chart

Facts FOR the sale and use of Facts AGAINST the sale and use of asbestos asbestos Health issues related to the use and export of asbestos

Economic issues related to the use and export of asbestos

Ethics related to the use and export of asbestos

Your own subtopic

CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 53 News in Review Index A list of the stories covered last season and to date in the current season is provided below.

The complete chronological index for all 19 seasons of News in Review, and a subject-oriented index listing News in Review stories appropriate for various subject areas can be accessed through our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca. Hard copies of these indexes can also be obtained by contacting CBC Learning.

SEPTEMBER 2008 FEBRUARY 2009 Putting a Tax on Carbon The Conservatives and the Coalition China and the Olympic Games Canadians, Credit Cards, and Debt Canada’s Residential School Apology The Terrorist Attack on Mumbai Boom Times in Saskatchewan When It’s Cool to Be Kind OCTOBER 2008 MARCH 2009 Canadians to Vote in a Federal Election Barack Obama Visits Canada Deadly Bacteria Strike Canadians Canada Gets a Recession Budget The Dangerous Crisis in Georgia Guantanamo Bay and Omar Khadr Commuters, Cars, and Bicycles Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story NOVEMBER 2008 APRIL 2009 Canada and the Economic Meltdown Hard Times Hit the Auto Industry Americans Choose a New President The Future of the Oil Sands A Community Fights Gangs and Guns White Dragons: The Killer Avalanches The Push to Grow More Food in Canada The Flight of the Silver Dart DECEMBER 2008 MAY 2009 Canada Faces a Recession The Recession and the Developing World Cell Phones and Drivers Afghanistan and the Rights of Women Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan The Decline of the Traditional Media Electronic Waste and China Hockey Players and Life Lessons

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CBC News in Review • September 2009 • Page 54