Ottawa
Threatened with a class-action lawsuit, the Canadian government said it would give $19,000 each to 3,500 veterans used as guinea pigs in chemical-warfare experiments. The military tested protective clothing and masks by exposing the men to mustard gas and other poisons between 1941 and the early 1970s. Many have suffered lingering breathing problems and skin conditions, including cancer. An official ombudsman called the tests “a blot on our history,” and said the compensation plan marked “a victory for justice.” Harvey Friesen, one of the veterans, said the money was inadequate. “A lot of things that went on were pretty ugly,” he said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
-
Today's political cartoons - September 16, 2024Monday's cartoons - a second assassination attempt, eating pets, and more
-
'If this is a race, China has a commanding lead'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
