This article appeared in the West Ender on April 10, 1997.
by Tom Zillich
AIDS Vancouver and other groups are wondering why the Chrétien government is waffling on its commitment to AIDS research.
Without renewed committment to National AIDS Strategy funding, research projects in Vancouver are grinding to a half and top researchers are considering job offers in other countries.
The $40 million AIDS Strategy funding announced in 1993 ends March 31, 1998. The government's lack of commitment past that date is right now causing stress on research and education projects, say AIDS advocates.
"It seems that Ottawa is dismantling its efforts with research into AIDS," said AIDS Vancouver chair Don Seaton at a press conference Friday at St. Paul's Hospital. "They've become so focused on balancing of books...they've forgotten that federal leadership in this area is so very important. The commitment has to be made now."
Seaton said he'd hate to think the Liberal government is waiting for the right time - perhaps during the coming election - to announce AIDS Strategy funding.
Bill Siksay, federal NDP candidate in Vancouver Centre, condemned the Liberal government's silence. "It's hard to believe, but Hedy Fry clearly has to be reminded that the HIV/AIDS crisis is not over," he said.
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