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RCMP's tainted-blood probe enters `final phases':

Crime/Corruption Breaking News News Keywords: BLOODHOUNDS, TAINTED BLOOD TRAIL, HAEMOPHILIA, HEPATITIS C, AIDS
Source: The Ottawa Citizen PAGE: A7
Published: 2000.12.07 Author: Mark Kennedy
Posted on 12/07/2000 14:39:40 PST by adanaC

PUBLICATION: The Ottawa Citizen
DATE: 2000.12.07
EDITION: FINAL
SECTION: News
PAGE: A7
BYLINE: Mark Kennedy
SOURCE: The Ottawa Citizen

RCMP's tainted-blood probe enters `final phases':
No decision made on charges, police say

Three years
after it began its probe, the RCMP says it has entered the
``final phases'' of a criminal investigation into the tainted blood scandal
of the 1980s.

The Mounties are still cautioning that no decision has been made on whether
charges will be laid in the tragedy that left thousands of Canadians
infected with HIV and/or hepatitis C. But victims are cautiously
predicting the police are on their way to laying charges in the affair.

News of the RCMP's progress in the investigation came in a three-page letter
sent last week to some victims by the Mounties' special Blood Task Force
which has been assigned full-time to the probe.
The letter assures people that the task force has been ``working hard to
complete the investigation in an expedient, thorough and professional
manner.''

Furthermore, it states that the task force ``is in the final phases of the
investigation.''

In an interview yesterday, RCMP Insp. Rod Knecht, the officer in charge of
the task force, said he wanted to assure the public that the Mounties still
view the matter as a priority.

``We still appreciate the urgency of the matter and getting it resolved and
providing disclosure to some people,'' said Insp. Knecht, who co-signed the
letter. ``So we are working as quickly as humanly possible to bring the
investigation to a conclusion.''

Indeed, the letter gives some suggestions of just how far the probe has come
since it began within days of the release, in November 1997, of Justice
Horace Krever's three-volume report into the tainted-blood scandal.
Police have ``gathered the majority of information that will be required for
the investigation,'' Insp. Knecht's letter reveals, ``however, some
important information still has to be obtained.''

Mike McCarthy, the vice-president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, said
yesterday that victims have had to endure a ``prolonged and agonizingly
slow'' wait for justice to be served -- first, when it became apparent in
the mid-1980s that the blood system went awry, and secondly, in the wake of
the Krever report, when many people automatically assumed police could lay
charges on the basis of the evidence collected by the inquiry.

In fact, for legal reasons, the police had to start from scratch and collect
evidence entirely by themselves.

``It has been a long process,'' said Mr. McCarthy, who got <hepatitis> C
from tainted blood products. ``We have lost a lot of victims waiting for due
justice. There is now an indication that there is going to be some finality
to the investigation, and we hope and we are cautiously optimistic that this
will lead to criminal charges.''

Mr. McCarthy said victims feel the RCMP has conducted a thorough
investigation ``to try and leave no stones unturned.''

Judge Krever's report meticulously chronicled how federal and provincial
governments and the Red Cross neglected the blood system, leaving 1,200
Canadians infected with the AIDS virus and tens of thousands with
hepatitis C.

The Mounties are looking at five issues that were central to Judge Krever's
findings:
- A system to adequately screen high-risk blood donors, such as gay men, was
not introduced in 1983, when the threat of contaminating the blood supply
had become clear.
- Blood tests to detect the AIDS virus were unnecessarily delayed in 1985.
- The provision of safe, heat-treated blood products to hemophiliacs was
also delayed in 1984-85.
- Governments and the Red Cross mistakenly opted against buying a blood test
to help detect hepatitis C in 1986, in part because of its cost.
- Governments also failed to conduct traceback/lookback programs to identify
potential victims and ensure they didn't unknowingly pass on the AIDS virus
to someone else.


This story doesn't touch on the continuing neglect of government owned
Connaught Laboratories, or the ongoing contamination problems in the 1970s,
or that one of BC Red Cross's largest sources of blood was BC prisons until 1974,
or that blood that was stored up at Connaught for three years was secretly
shipped back to BC in 1974 to be used in hospitals
(when they knew it was unfit for human use after 3 weeks).
It's outrageous. People who  have had hepatitis for 25 years
are too  sick to fight and this has been buried, as the RCMP are only mandated
to investigate post 1980, and Krever Inquiry focused on post 1980 problems.


1 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:39:40 PST by adanaC
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To: adanaC, Askel5, Budge, Liliana, T'wit, Cholera Joe, Boyd, Wallaby, thinden, Prince Charles, Big M,

adanaC, I am taking the liberty of flagging other bloodhounds.

2 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:46:18 PST by Clive
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To: Duchess, Senator Pardek, A Whitewater Researcher, Uncle Bill, CAL, Laz, The Patriot 1776,

-

3 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:47:02 PST by Clive
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To: Great Dane MadAsHell, Acorn, Lady Cadaver

-

4 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:48:09 PST by Clive
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To: Clive

BTTT

5 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:48:55 PST by CholeraJoe
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To: Clive

Thanks Clive!


6 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:51:25 PST by Budge
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To: Bloodhounds

Here is today's update on the Horsemen's BTF site

7 Posted on 12/07/2000 14:55:47 PST by Clive
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To: adanaC

Not to worry. The RCMP are seriously investigating the prison blood issue. mark Kennedy just forgot to put it in the story, he also left out the destruction of documents investigation.

a bump and a drip!

8 Posted on 12/07/2000 15:34:28 PST by BigM
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To: BigM ... thanks!

9 Posted on 12/07/2000 15:49:29 PST by Askel5
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To: Clive ... thanks for the flag!

10 Posted on 12/07/2000 15:51:03 PST by Askel5
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To: BigM

BigM, I just thank God and Mark Kennedy and The Ottawa Citizen for caring enough to not let this horrid tragedy get swept under the carpet.

11 Posted on 12/07/2000 15:56:53 PST by adanaC
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To: adanaC

This story would look like an elephant that was swept under the rug. It's only halftime, the clock is ticking and we have the secret weapons ready for the second half....the truth,compassion for justice, and the Bloodhounds on FR...

12 Posted on 12/07/2000 16:05:56 PST by BigM
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To: Clive

I am hopeful that Pierre Bourque will pick up this post for his most excellent site!

13 Posted on 12/07/2000 16:53:44 PST by T'wit
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To: BigM

> like an elephant that was swept under the rug.

We've all seen photos of elephants with a rug on their back, but naturally, I thought you'd throw the rug on the elephant, not sweep the elephant under the rug.

Video at 11:00.

14 Posted on 12/07/2000 16:57:32 PST by T'wit
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To: BigM

I hope and pray that justice is seen to be done.
Here's a letter that was apparently swept under the rug too .
 
I wonder why this was ignored ...
 
Hep to hepatitis C
 
By Alan T.R. Powell, PhD
Founding President
Board of Directors
Hepatitis C Society of Canada
Toronto, Ont.

15 Posted on 12/07/2000 17:27:34 PST by adanaC
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To: Clive

Mike sent me this article eysterday, don't know why but I have this eerie feeling that nobody is going to be charged, hope I am wrong.

16 Posted on 12/07/2000 18:30:07 PST by Great Dane
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To: T'wit

I am hopeful that Pierre Bourque will pick up this post for his most excellent site!

Yes, I noticed he has taken the link off.

17 Posted on 12/07/2000 18:32:38 PST by Great Dane
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To: Great Dane

I have the same hinky feeling.

I hope we are both wrong.

18 Posted on 12/07/2000 18:49:58 PST by Clive
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To: adanaC, Wallaby, Great Dane, Budge, Tim, t'wit,..ALL THE BLOODHOUNDS...

I'm sure I've forgotten someone, and I ask you to please forgive me.

As many of you know, I have the HepC virus, and my disease is progressing pretty rapidly. Someone said, (maybe even the article) that many of us have had this for 25 years ,.. (I have had it since 1980 after a blood transfusion, sick 4 mos later, and a not so pretty color of yellow,.. :o) and are too sick to fight this. Your so right. It is a debilitating illness. It has caused severe osteoporosis in me, I've fallen and broken bones, as late as this summer. I'm now using a cane at all times, as I now have Neuropathies from it. It would appear from the last couple specialist that I do have MS secondary to my HepC. In other words, it was caused by the viral infection of the Hepatitis C. Not uncommon for MS to be triggered by a viral illness. My liver isn't happy,.. and I hurt all over. I feel like I'm dying slowly... and it is very hard on my family. I used to be a runner,.. and worked in the medical field. I miss those things. I miss being healthy.

I've lost 7 friends in the last year due to HepC. This Epedemic is bigger than AID's. There are more of us infected with HepC than the AID's virus. (Though I don't mention it to diminish their suffering at all, in fact, my heart goes out to anyone who has AID's, and I pray for a cure. I only mention it to show how little media attention HepC is getting in comparison).

I want to thank with all my heart the "bloodhounds" for all they do!!! You are ships in my/our storms. God Bless you all!!! Your strength to fight for someone else, your willingness to do so, brings tears to my eyes every single time I read something that you do. The word HERO's comes to mind :o) I love you guys!!!

I just wanted to say that so many are dying from this. There is only one drug that seems to be helpful, that is Interferon in combination with Ribaviron. They are coming out with a new "peglayted" type of Interferon, which will only require a shot once a week instead of daily. Unfortunately, there are many like me who get worst immediately when on and after taking Interferon. I've tried two types now, and cannot do it again according to my specialists. I've seen Docs from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and now from the California Pacific Medical Center. The docs I see are world renown,.. and they cannot help me. Only 40 to 50 percent are getting sustained responses from the new Peglayted Interferons. We need more options. Better drugs,.. A CURE would be nice :o)

Again, I just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate you. I wish we had the Royal Canadian Mounted Police working for us here in the US!!!! Wow.. just an awesome thing.

God Bless, Mary Ann/Female Vet

19 Posted on 12/07/2000 21:37:10 PST by Vets_Husband_&_Wife
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To: adanaC, BigM, T'wit, Clive, Askel5

``We have lost a lot of victims waiting for due justice.
A timely reminder of the need to continue pushing for the truth.

20 Posted on 12/07/2000 22:21:04 PST by Wallaby (wallaby@altavista.net)
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife

Mary Ann (Female Vet),
Your courage and strength are a source of great inspiration to those of us still blessed with our health to continue the fight for the truth.

21 Posted on 12/07/2000 22:27:48 PST by Wallaby (wallaby@altavista.net)
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife

Mary Ann, your faith carries not just yourself but many others. I believe there will be better medicines and in the meantime we just have to take care of ourselves, rest, eat maybe 5 small meals or snacks like cheese and crackers (good for nausea), and sleep repairs atheletes bodies so it must ours too. We've all lost friends, and we want justice for you, us and all those who've left us. I'm sure your letter gives every one of us strength. Thank you. hugs and prayers

22 Posted on 12/08/2000 01:44:50 PST by adanaC
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To: T'wit

Bourque has picked this thread up.

Hopefully he will also pick up adanaC's other thread:

Justice officials pressure RCMP to open all files (Blood Task Force)

23 Posted on 12/08/2000 03:04:44 PST by Clive
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife

May I be allowed to echo Wallaby and adanaC's Posts to you?

Would that I could wave a magic wand and cure all of you who suffer this diease.

I continue to pray for you all.

May this Christmas bring you the greatest gift you could ask, a CURE!

God Bless!

24 Posted on 12/08/2000 04:49:29 PST by Budge
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife

Even as you write, Mary Ann, the country is beset by Al Gore's cowardly tactics and unbridled ambition. Your own fortitude turns our thoughts back to what is important in all of our lives. Thank you for this lovely letter! Have a wonderful Christmas. You'll be in our prayers.

25 Posted on 12/08/2000 05:45:48 PST by T'wit
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To: Wallaby

> the need to continue pushing for the truth.

I'll be here!

26 Posted on 12/08/2000 05:47:53 PST by T'wit
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife

Hello mary, good to hear from you again, sorry to hear your condition have deteriorated to this degree, worst thing is, there isn't a darn thing we can do about it. Is your e-mail address still the same ?

27 Posted on 12/08/2000 08:01:33 PST by Great Dane
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife Wallaby

It's very good to see you on the boards again! You are in our thoughts and I also pray the RCMP does obtain some measure of justice for you and so many others.

(Thanks for the flag, Wallaby.)

28 Posted on 12/08/2000 08:52:26 PST by Askel5
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To: Vets_Husband_&_Wife, budge, clive, askel 5, Wallaby, T'wit, Big M

I echo Budge's thoughts:

Would that I could wave a magic wand and cure all of you who suffer this diease.

I continue to pray for you all.

29 Posted on 12/08/2000 09:01:25 PST by thinden
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To: ((((((ALL!!!))))))

Thanks again,.. gosh you guys!!! Your compassion is amazing!! I wish for all people with HepC a cure, and thank you Budge my friend, and those who echoed his sentiment!! Lise I will private e-mail you my new addy. :o)

I felt even sicker today when I saw what Gore is doing to our Country,.. I mean, what if every State chose to do elections the way Gore has FORCED Florida to do theirs??

The thing that comes to mind the most for me right now, with the Florida Supreme Court ruling for a recount of ALL Counties with undervotes in Florida, is what happened in 1887.

They have violated by its shifting standards, and refusal to allow Legislators to make law, a Federal Law enacted in 1887 which says States must resolve controversies relating to the appointment of Presidential Electors under "laws enacted PRIOR to" Election Day!

During the 1887 congressional debate, Ohio Rep. William Craig Cooper, opposing retoactive rulemaking to resolve electoral disputes, exclaimed: "to what anarchy, to what confusion, to what riot, if you please, Mr. Speaker, might such a course of procedure lead?!"

It would appear to me today, (after seeing the very divided Florida Supreme Court ruling today), that we NOW know what the representative from Ohio meant.... it is in essence CHAOS!

I believe we are in a Constitutional Crisis because of this.

I must also say, that if Gore wins, by stealing this election, I don't see help with Pharmacuetical Companies looking for cures, or being encouraged in any way by a Gore whitehouse. Anyone watching this race, would know that he is a big spender, which will result in higher taxes, not only to the little guy,.. but to big Corporations.

I will be watching your work dear Bloodhounds,.. with great interest, and of course my undying support!! If not by action, please know it is there in spirit!

God Bless, Mary Ann/Female Vet

Ps. I hope I didn't leave anyone out.. I'm truly distressed for our Country today... especially for our Military whose votes have been cast out in Florida!! That issue was never resolved!!! :o( We are participating in rallies when I can, and hope to be in Sacramento tomorrow. Wish us luck for a peaceful demonstration, as I fear soon things will change.. and not for the better!

30 Posted on 12/08/2000 15:33:01 PST by Vets_Husband_&_Wife
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To: ((((((ALL!!!))))))

Thanks again,.. gosh you guys!!! Your compassion is amazing!! I wish for all people with HepC a cure, and thank you Budge my friend, and those who echoed his sentiment!! Lise I will private e-mail you my new addy. :o)

I felt even sicker today when I saw what Gore is doing to our Country,.. I mean, what if every State chose to do elections the way Gore has FORCED Florida to do theirs??

The thing that comes to mind the most for me right now, with the Florida Supreme Court ruling for a recount of ALL Counties with undervotes in Florida, is what happened in 1887.

They have violated by its shifting standards, and refusal to allow Legislators to make law, a Federal Law enacted in 1887 which says States must resolve controversies relating to the appointment of Presidential Electors under "laws enacted PRIOR to" Election Day!

During the 1887 congressional debate, Ohio Rep. William Craig Cooper, opposing retoactive rulemaking to resolve electoral disputes, exclaimed: "to what anarchy, to what confusion, to what riot, if you please, Mr. Speaker, might such a course of procedure lead?!"

It would appear to me today, (after seeing the very divided Florida Supreme Court ruling today), that we NOW know what the representative from Ohio meant.... it is in essence CHAOS!

I believe we are in a Constitutional Crisis because of this.

I must also say, that if Gore wins, by stealing this election, I don't see help with Pharmacuetical Companies looking for cures, or being encouraged in any way by a Gore whitehouse. Anyone watching this race, would know that he is a big spender, which will result in higher taxes, not only to the little guy,.. but to big Corporations.

I will be watching your work dear Bloodhounds,.. with great interest, and of course my undying support!! If not by action, please know it is there in spirit!

God Bless, Mary Ann/Female Vet

Ps. I hope I didn't leave anyone out.. I'm truly distressed for our Country today... especially for our Military whose votes have been cast out in Florida!! That issue was never resolved!!! :o( We are participating in rallies when I can, and hope to be in Sacramento tomorrow. Wish us luck for a peaceful demonstration, as I fear soon things will change.. and not for the better!

31 Posted on 12/08/2000 15:45:57 PST by Vets_Husband_&_Wife
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