Hey, Hi, Hello!
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer has found herself to be a target after Jason Kenney accused Canada’s CPHO of repeating messages from the People’s Republic of China.
Recently a far right political and social commentary website known for their inflammatory content and seemingly endless controversies, has started a petition calling for the firing of the CPHO claiming that Dr. Tam has been “working for the Chinese-controlled World Health Organization” and that she either was claiming that her position on the WHO oversight committee for health emergencies is a conflict of interest because “who’s side is she on, Canada or China’s WHO?”. The ridiculous petition has gained 25,285 signatures.
First of all, the World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the UN headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 1948 with the purpose of advocating for universal healthcare, coordinating responses to public health emergencies and protecting human health and well being, (no wonder conservatives hate it so much). The WHO has 192 member states who appoint representatives to the World Health Assembly, the governing body of the WHO.
The World Health Organization’s largest source of funding is the US which contributes over $400 million a year through their State Department. The Second largest source of funding is The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “Chinese Controlled”, eh?
This is all very easy information to find, I have to wonder how it is that the website in question is unaware of it.
They also seem unaware of Dr. Tam’s history and credentials. Dr. Tam was the Assistant Deputy Minister of the PHAC Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Branch and has helped to lead Canada’s responses to SARS, H1N1, Ebola and now the COVID 19 crisis. Dr. Tam has been Canada’s CPHO since the retirement of Dr. Gregory Taylor in 2016 and was formally appointed to the position in June, 2017. From what I can find, her professionalism or commitment to her work has never been questioned before.
Dr. Tam has committed her life to ensuring the best possible health outcomes for people facing public health emergencies, she has worked to ensure public safety and advocated for public health education. The idea that Dr. Tam is an agent of China is laughable and it is deeply disturbing that there are people who believe this nonsense.
Calamity out.
The Prolific Progressive 