A British Columbia doctor accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 is currently under investigation for allegedly writing exemptions from masks and bogus vaccines offered through a Kelowna-based website.
CBC News obtained a four-page “Medical Exemption Declaration Certificate Including Psychosocial Conditions” that was allegedly signed by Dr. Stephen Malthouse and produced through a service called EnableAir.com.
This website appears to be linked to another doctor in British Columbia, Dr. Gwyllyn Goddard, whose medical license is temporarily inactive.
A copy of the same certificate has been sent to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and they are investigating, CBC confirmed. A spokesperson for the British Columbia Ministry of Health did not respond to direct questions on EnableAir.com, but confirmed that there is no exemption certificate for masks or vaccines.
EnableAir.com promises “genuine medical exemptions,” including QR codes, for those “concerned about mainstream totalitarian narratives” and advertises the services of five anonymous Canadian doctors.
Pricing for the service is unclear, but the website warns potential customers to “mentally prepare the invoice. “
The certificate purportedly signed by Malthouse includes a two-page preamble invoking the Canadian Human Rights Act, the constitution, the United Nations Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, and the Nuremberg Code.
It does not offer any details on why the wearer should be exempted from mask and vaccine warrants, but offers a long list of possible reasons, including vaccine allergies but also HIV, autism, “development. social altered “, asthma, eczema, migraines and” personal belief “.
Doctor already faces discipline related to COVID-19
The contact details displayed on the certificate obtained by CBC correspond to the public contact details for Goddard. Kelowna PO Box is connected to his cannabis consulting firm, CanaBC Services Ltd., and the fax number is listed on his personal website.
Goddard did not respond to emailed or texted questions and hung up on a reporter when contacted by phone. The entire content of EnableAir.com was taken offline within hours of this phone call.
Neither Malthouse nor his lawyer, Rocco Galati of Toronto, responded to questions about the certificate.
EnableAir.com announces that 50 percent of “post-administrative costs” will go to Galati and the Center for Constitutional Rights, an organization he founded. However, Galati told CBC he has no connection with the website.
Malthouse, a family physician from Denman Island, is already the subject of college disciplinary procedure as well as complaints from at least 10 other doctors.
Over the past year, he has appeared at several rallies against pandemic-related measures, mistakenly claiming that COVID-19 is no more deadly than the flu and that vaccines are more dangerous. His thoughts have gone viral online.
According to a petition Malthouse filed with the BC Supreme Court in June, he faces a reprimand from the college, which wants to ban him from speaking out on issues related to COVID-19. Malthouse asked the court to block the measures, arguing that they violate his right to free speech.
Doctors “must provide objective medical evidence”
University registrar Dr. Heidi Oetter said she couldn’t comment on any Malthouse or EnableAir.com investigation, but the university has a standard for what is expected of any doctor writing exemptions.
“It’s very clear about the need to provide objective medical evidence. You can’t just rephrase something just because the patient wants you to do it,” she said.
“If someone signs a letter that does not meet these expectations, they may be subject to college investigation and, if warranted, regulatory action.”
Middle School posted a review last week in response to reports of fraudulent exemption letters circulating in the province. It includes tips for businesses or employers on how to identify a valid exemption.
There is a very short list of acceptable reasons for waiving or postponing a COVID-19 vaccine, including a history of anaphylactic reactions to mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and adenoviral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has banned three doctors from issuing mask and vaccine exemptions in recent weeks. A spokesperson for that university said he could not comment on any possible connections to EnableAir.com.
But one of these doctors, Dr Patrick Phillips, To promoted EnableAir.com on social networks.
Another has a BC connection – Dr Rochagne Kilian previously worked in Williams Lake and held a medical license in that province from 2009 to 2014.
Oetter said although the rules are slightly different in British Columbia, similar restrictions could be placed on doctors here if there is evidence to suggest they are offering fraudulent exemptions.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”