Military responds to expert criticism
http://cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi?/news/2000/11/16/ns_du001116
WebPosted Nov 16 2000 12:07 PM EST

HALIFAX, N.S. - The Canadian military is finally responding to international criticism of its depleted uranium testing. Earlier this week CBC Radio reported several scientists at a symposium in Britain called the government's test results worthless.

Depleted uranium (DU) is a type of radioactive nuclear waste used in some weapons during the Gulf War and the Kosovo Crisis.

Colonel Dr. Ken Scott is the director of medical policy at the Department of National Defence. He says he's sure the scientists publicly criticizing his department's DU tests are well-meaning, but he questions whether they have the proper expertise to criticize anything.

These doubts arise mostly because Scott is convinced the tests prove the soldiers are safe and free from DU.

"Our lab tests fit with logic and common sense, fit with results the Americans have been finding and they also make sense and fit with results the government in Belgium has found," Scott said.

However, Scott says if veterans still have doubts about depleted uranium poisoning they can have samples of their hair tested to get even more detailed results.

Halifax-West NDP candidate Gordon Earle says he's been trying to get the government to take action on the DU question for months. He says there's no reason veterans should have to fight this hard for answers.

"When they have to fight and fight for it, it makes you wonder what kind of respect we are showing to the people who dedicate and sacrifice their lives for us," Earle said.

Earle says Ottawa should take responsibility for sick soldiers and at least start listening to scientists who are sounding the alarm.