From: dnd_mdn@forces.ca
To: hclsmith@yahoo.ca
Cc: Keddy.G@parl.gc.ca
Subject: RE: US DU weaponry-20
Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 15:34:44 -0400
Message-Id: <20020823192915.9BA672A716@mx02.forces.ca>

Dear Mr. Smith:

Your e-mail concerning the United States use of depleted uranium munitions
in operations involving the Canadian Forces was forwarded to my predecessor
by the Office of the Prime Minister.  This office also received a letter on
March 20, 2002, on your behalf, from your Member of Parliament, Mr. Gerald
Keddy, on the same matter.

I am advised that there has never been any definite link established between
the use of depleted uranium in operational theatres and damage to human
health or the environment.  Furthermore, Canada as a precautionary measure
no longer uses depleted uranium in any of our weapon systems, and there are
no plans to purchase or use such ammunition in the future.

Canada takes the issue of depleted uranium very seriously.  Since 1991, we
have been monitoring the health of Canadian Forces personnel who served in
the Gulf War and the Balkans.  We have found no evidence of any harmful
effects from depleted uranium exposure among our veterans.

To ensure that Canadian Forces members are aware of the possible presence of
this material in operational theatres, information concerning this item is
included as part of the pre-deployment briefing on the regional environment.
The Canadian Forces also sends a team into theatre to inspect the quality of
the soil.

The Department has made testing available to all Canadian Forces personnel
as well as civilians who are concerned about possible exposure to depleted
uranium.  I understand that these tests have all proven negative thus far.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely,

The Honourable John McCallum, P.C., M.P.

cc:  Mr. Gerald Keddy, M.P.

MCU2002-02615A-B

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