On September 26, 2009, the International Institute of Concern for Public Health (IICPH) celebrated 25 years of helping communities across the world to protect their health and environment from pollution. With the theme “To Turn Things Around: Action for Environmental Renaissance: Building on Success,” Canadian activists shared their successes and strategies for those who want to learn how to take action. This exciting, informative conference was held on September 26th at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto to much acclaim.
Founded in 1984 by Dr. Rosalie Bertell, radiologist Dr. Diarmuid McLoughlin and Professor of Metallurgy, Ursula Franklin, IICPH successes have come through international, citizen-led environmental health campaigns, from the formation of international medical commissions for the people of Chernobyl, Russia and Bhopal, India, an independent review of the highly toxic Sydney Tar Ponds in Nova Scotia, to the closure of a factory farm in New Brunswick, Canada.
Dr. Bertell’s earliest works included an investigation into the health of the people living at the Love Canal in the United States and the development of an epidemiological method to identify health risks from nuclear radiation. Coordinator Marion Odell points out, “Under her guidance, we have learned to base what we say on independent scientific peer reviewed science as we work to help communities to resolve their problems. This approach helps us to win many battles.”
Rosalie Bertell gave the keynote address on new scientific proof of health effects of nuclear radiation particularly to children. Other speakers included Donna Dillman of the Sharbot Lake Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU); Lorraine Rekmans, Aboriginal Issues spokesperson for the Green Party and Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, environmental health educator and producer of the groundbreaking documentaries “Exposure; Environmental Links to breast Cancer” and “Toxic Trespass”. Willi Nolan, IICPH Project Manager reported on her special work to promote sustainable development and environmental justice with youth, rural and aboriginal communities and environmental organizations.
A panel discussion of ‘Success Stories’ featured activists Jim Elve of Grand Erie Energy Quest, Angela Bischoff of Clean Air Alliance as well as John Miller of Families Against Radiation Exposure and Mark Calzavara of the Council of Canadians.
The new Rosalie Bertell Award was presented to Shirley Farlinger, IICPH; David Martin, Greenpeace; Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, OISE; and to Gordon Edwards, CCNR in absentia which was accepted on his behalf by Robert Del Tredici, the celebrated photographer.
In the afternoon the speakers were IICPH Director Douglas Smith, who explained the problems associated with the introduction of genetically modified organisms into our food systems; Shawn-Patrick Stensil on nuclear power concerns in Canada; and Mycle Schneider, a consultant from Paris, France who demonstrated in detail that there is no “Nuclear Renaissance”.
A complete transcript of each presentation will eventually appear on our website,