Headlines from this weeks SPEC

Dec. 1, 2002

Poaching ring found on Gaspe Coast
Gall bladder of black bears major commodity
Charlene Eden

Quebec Parks and Wildlife has uncovered a poaching ring in seven provincial regions, including the Gaspe and Magdalen Islands, which poaches the gall bladders of black bears and the flesh of large game. The poaching of gall bladders is especially a concern, as a major market for the organ has developed in various Canadian provinces, the United States, and many Asian countries, including Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. But Parks and Wildlife is working to put an end to these illegal activities.

According to Jerry Ferguson, chief of services for the Gaspesie and Magdalen Islands wildlife protection division, many people believe that the gall bladder of a black bear has medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. This has led to a demand for the animal’s gall bladder and thus a market that sees people paid a substantial amount of money. "In Quebec, the gall bladder sells for 5 to 8 dollars per gram. A gall bladder is normally between 20 and 30 grams. If we take the average, the value is between $150 and $200 dollars for a gall bladder. In Asia, it is worth about $650," he said.

Citizen, health thyself!
Cynthia Dow

This week, former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow comes out with his report on what is often called "Canada’s ailing healthcare system" and like many Canadians, I will be very anxious to find out what he has in mind.

Healthcare continues to be the number one issue for Canadians in almost every poll taken, even here in Quebec. Citizens of this country are truly concerned about long waiting lists, huge hospital deficits, and the lack of doctors, especially in rural regions like our own.

I, for one, hope I see some of the following things in Mr Romanow’s report:

First of all, I believe our system is too doctor-oriented, and not as patient-oriented as it ought to be.