Tests benefit cancer fight

Published March 13, 2004


While the testing of mustard gas on Canadian soldiers may be one of the most disturbing secrets of World War Two, there was at least one positive note to the tests.

Mustard gas is now one of the components used in chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients, said John Bryden, the member of Parliament who first wrote about the secret tests in his 1989 book "Deadly Allies: Canada's Secret War."

"This story is not as simple as it would appear," Bryden told the Burnaby Now.

While Burnaby resident Al Little will most likely be eligible for the $24,000 lump sum payment recommended by the military ombudsman, he may have a tougher time convincing the federal government that his 1956 surgery (see main story) was in fact the result of his participation in the chemical weapons tests.

"We know that these people underwent mustard gas tests, but whether these would lead to the problem that he (Little) had is not known," Bryden said. "One does not necessarily follow the other."

In total, the federal compensation package will be worth $50 million.

Cliff Chadderton, chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, told the Christian Science Monitor that his group was pleased with the government compensation package.

"I have two words: One is wonderful and the other is surprise," Chadderton said. He also credited his organization with having forced the government's hand by threatening to raise the issue with the UN Human Rights Commission.