Your September 1998 issue raises a concern which is all the more serious as the media are reporting Health Canada to be embroiled in similar problems. Researchers are the only people qualified to test medical procedures and drugs, and their willingness to blow the whistle safeguards the health of Canadians.

As your report of the case of Dr. Nancy Olivieri shows, a whistle-blower's lot is not a happy one. If the treatment meted out is sufficiently intimidating, will the willingness to speak out be impaired? Successful infringement or suppression of academic freedom may be dangerous to the health of Canadians.

Academic whistle-blowing protects the interests of Canadians not only in the medical field. The quality of the university education for which Canadians incur increasing costs and debt loads can be safeguarded only if the infringement or suppression of academic freedom does not succeed in silencing those who should speak out.

MARTHA HUSAIN & MURRAY MILES
Philosophy, Brock University