OTTAWA, October 7, 2002 (LSN.ca) - Justice Minister Anne McLellan has given assurances to researchers that Canada will allow embryonic stem cell research before the legislation has even been debated in the House of Commons. "It's obviously a controversial issue for some people but within an appropriate framework, embryonic stem cell research should be allowed to take place," she said.
McLellan made her comments after the revelation that Gregory Korbutt, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Alberta Surgical Medical Research Institute plans to use human embryonic stem cells as part of his research. McLellan told the Edmonton Sun: "It's inappropriate to shut down the potential that might exist within embryonic stem cell research."
Mary-Ellen Douglas, National Organizer for Campaign Life Coalition told LifeSite: "It is strange that the Minister is making comments to scientists that embryos will be used for research even though debate has not been completed on the proposed bill."