On behalf of the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to family and friends who are affected by this most tragic event. Our thoughts are with you.
As of March 22 and following consultations with Government of Canada experts, as well as based on information available from the Government of Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Canada has assessed that at this stage there is no indication that there is a radiation health risk to Canadian citizens in Japan and other countries in Asia.
“At this point there is no indication that there is any radiation health risk to Canadians outside the evacuation zones established by the Japanese authorities,” said Dr. Paul Gully, Senior Medical Advisor at Health Canada.
Given the evolving situation, Canadians located within 80 km of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant should consider, as a further precautionary measure, evacuating this area. The directions of the Japanese government and local emergency response personnel should also be followed by all Canadians in Japan.
Based on current information, areas outside the Japanese evacuation zone are not subject to radiation levels associated with a health risk. Health risks exist within the Japanese evacuation zone; therefore, all Canadians are advised to follow the direction given by the Japanese authorities and should not enter these areas.
The following links are provided for those who may be interested in more details:
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (Emergencies)
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/contact/menu-eng.asp
Person in Japan finder by google:
http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en
NHK live:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-gtv
TBS live:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tbstv
Steven J. Archer
President, Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia