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Thalidomiders disappointed by government response
It was supposed to be a harmless sedative for expectant mothers, but instead thalidomide caused thousands of babies around the world, including more than a hundred in Canada, to be born with severe birth defects. The Canadian government failed to warn the public of its dangers, and promised to compensate the thalidomide victims; it took almost 30 years for the government to deliver on that promise.
• The Canadian thalidomide disaster was given considerable coverage in the United States, including pieces in People magazine, on the Phil Donahue show and on the Public Broadcasting Service.
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: April 18, 1989
Guest(s): Perrin Beatty, Cliff Chadderton, Marie Olney
Host: Peter Mansbridge
Reporter: Julie Van Dusen
Duration: 2:13
Last updated: November 23, 2012
Page consulted on March 28, 2013
All Clips from this Topic
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Canadians learn of the severe birth defects caused by thalidomide.
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Ontario Premier John Robarts promises compensation to thalidomide vic...
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The federal government formally commits to providing compensation to t...
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The drug company that manufactured thalidomide provides money to eight...
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British author Marjorie Wallace speaks out about thalidomide.
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In 1989 a task force is established to seek compensation from the fede...
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The Canadian government fails to warn the public about the dangers of ...
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Thalidomide victims face huge financial burdens while the Canadian gov...
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Three months later the government says it's still not ready to act on ...
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After almost 30 years the federal government agrees to pay thalidomide...
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In 1998 the controversial drug is back on the market in Canada to help...
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Compensation precludes welfare payments.
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It was supposed to be a harmless sedative for expectant mothers, but i...