May 18, 2007
An independent community liaison committee has been set up to ensure open communication on safety issues related to the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac) which is under construction on the U of S campus.
The Level 3 biosafety research facility is part of Canada’s effort to address the threat to animals and humans posed by infectious diseases. In announcing the committee, Steven Franklin, U of S vice-president of research, said its role is key to ensuring community confidence in the safety of the facility.
The committee will be made up of 12 members and will be co-chaired by Patricia Roe and VIDO Director Lorne Babiuk. Its mandate will be to seek information about concerns of the community as well as to monitor issues related to safety and any incidents of potential public interest. Both the media and the public will have access to the committee.
In a news release, the University said unresolved concerns will go to Franklin, the U of S President, and government and regulatory officials with the authority to take the issue to the public at large if necessary.
Committee members were selected to reflect a cross-section of the community. Each is appointed for three years, with one-third of the members to be replaced or re-appointed every year starting with the third year of operation.
Other committee members include: Dr. Peter Barrett, physician, former president of the Canadian Medical Association; Dick Batten, QC, lawyer and Sutherland resident; Brian Bentley, City of Saskatoon Fire Chief ; Roy Dobson, president of the Varsity View Community Association; Noreen Jeffrey, educator; John LaClare, agribusiness; Susan Lamb, CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority; Claire Macsymic, member at large; and Dr. Cory Neudorf, Chief Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region.
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