Facing public controversy over a potential conflict of interest revealed in a CMAJ investigation, the chair of a Royal Society of Canada panel reviewing federal safety guidelines for Wi-Fi, cellphones and other radiofrequency devices has stepped aside.
Daniel Krewski, a professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, failed to disclose a $126 000 contract in 2008–2009 from Industry Canada to “assist in addressing what the Department believes is opposition often based on misperception and misinformation” with respect to cellphone antennas. Krewski did, however, disclose that he had performed extensive government contract work.
After learning of Dr. Krewski’s omission, Geoffrey Flynn, who chairs the Royal Society’s Committee on Expert Panels and its Scientific Advisory Committee, told CMAJ he would “take it back to the panels.” Krewski did not respond to an interview request following his departure. Flynn also declined an interview request.
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Daniel Krewski, a professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, failed to disclose a $126 000 contract in 2008–2009 from Industry Canada to “assist in addressing what the Department believes is opposition often based on misperception and misinformation” with respect to cellphone antennas. Krewski did, however, disclose that he had performed extensive government contract work.
After learning of Dr. Krewski’s omission, Geoffrey Flynn, who chairs the Royal Society’s Committee on Expert Panels and its Scientific Advisory Committee, told CMAJ he would “take it back to the panels.” Krewski did not respond to an interview request following his departure. Flynn also declined an interview request.