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No happy medium in fluoride debate
Broadcast Date: Jan. 7, 1958
Ever since the 1940s when universal water fluoridation was first considered, the issue has deeply divided Canadians.You either saw fluoride as a necessary public service, providing universal dental care to both rich and poor or a repugnant communist plot to take away our basic rights.
This rift is evident in this heated exchange between the great fluoride opponent broadcaster Gordon Sinclair and Front Page Challenge mystery guest, Dr. Wesley Dunn, chairman of the fluoridation committee for the Health League of Canada and editor of the Canadian Dental Journal.
No happy medium in fluoride debate
• During the 1950s, Gordon Sinclair picked up the fight against fluoride and made it a national crusade.• He began his career as a newspaper reporter for The Toronto Star in 1922 at age 22.
• He was the host of the popular radio talk show called Let's Be Personal on CFRB Toronto. It continued until Sinclair's death in 1984.
• In 1957, Sinclair became a permanent member of a weekly panel show called Front Page Challenge on CBC-TV. It became the Canada's longest-running television program. It continued until 1995.
No happy medium in fluoride debate
Medium: Television
Program: Front Page Challenge
Broadcast Date: Jan. 7, 1958
Guest(s): Dr. Wesley Dunn
Host: Fred Davis
Panellist: Toby Robins, Gordon Sinclair
Duration: 11:16
Last updated:
Sept. 1, 2009
No happy medium in fluoride debate.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Sept. 1, 2009.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]