This was copied from the Calgary Sun newspaper Dec 14th, 2000 Transplants debated

Toronto-Health Canada wants to find out what Canadians think about xeno-transplantation-the transfer of living animal tissue into humans- and is funding a web site to collect opinions.

The site www.xeno.cpha.ca has been set up by the Canadian Public Health Association to explore "the many ethical, social, scientific, regulatory and legal issues" related to the topic, the association says in a news release.

Health Canada expects to get applications for clinical trials involving xenotransplants.

"The over-arching question the Canadian public is being asked is whether Health Canada should proceed with xenotransplantation and, if so, under what circumstances."

The association says it will present recommendations to Health Canada based on the input it gets from Canadians.

The consultation is expected to be completed some time in 2001, the statment says.

There is a severe shortage of human organs and tissue for transplants, says the association, explaining the reason for considering animal tissue.

Canadians can also fax their questions to 1-613-725-9826, or mail them to the Canadian Public health Association, 400-1565 Carling Ave., Ottawa, K1Z 8R1