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The Dec 18, 2013 Calgary Herald and other papers reported Newfoundland MP Jerry Byrne’s depiction of Pamela Anderson as “a has-been ‘actor’ with an incurable STD.” and his subsequent apology, saying hepatitis C is rarely transmitted sexually, and is no longer considered incurable . The article continues…
“Joan King, vice-president of British Columbia-based HepCBC, said Byrne should have checked his facts before posting false information.
The non-profit organization’s mission is to provide education and support to people living with hepatitis C.
“You have to think before you write,” King said. “These were written statements, so it’s a little bit more than something off the cuff.”
She welcomed Byrne’s offer to advocate for those with the disease.
“He should probably be tested,” King said. “Everyone is at risk as far as I’m concerned.”
An estimated 250,000 Canadians are living with chronic hepatitis C, which is caused by a blood-borne virus. Left untreated, the disease can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis and cancer.
Researchers have said the disease can take many years to progress without causing noticeable symptoms – even up to two or three decades – and they estimate about 35 per cent of those carrying the virus have no idea they are infected.
The Canadian Liver Foundation recommends that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1965 be tested.”
Read more here…http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/iphone/news/latest/story.html?id=9302085
Some other papers who picked up this story:
http://www.brandonsun.com/entertainment/breaking-news/liberal-mp-gerry-byrne-sorry-for-social-media-comments-about-pamela-anderson-236430151.html?thx=y
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/national-news/liberal-mp-gerry-byrne-sorry-for-intemperate-comments-about-pamela-anderson.html