CBC /Radio-Canada on Narconon Cambridge, June 3rd 2019

peterstorm · Jun 3, 2019

Translation from:

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvell...esintoxication-ontario-cambridge-scientologie

Expelled from Quebec, a drug rehab linked to scientology wants to open in Ontario.

A drug rehab center linked to the Church of Scientology is trying to resume its activities in Ontario, despite the closure of its only establishment in the country for dangerous practices. The organization has come up against city regulation for the moment.

« Narconon Cambridge is now open to the community », the organization has announced last May in a press release, presenting its « proven » drug rehab program as a solution to the opioid crisis that is hitting the Waterloo region, West of Toronto.

Drug addicts and alcoholics will be able to get treatment with « natural techniques » and a deep detoxification process », it adds.

In 2012, the Quebec government ordered the only Narconon Center in the country, located in Trois-Rivieres, shut down.

Present in many countries, Narconon offers treatments based on the writings of founder of the Church of Scientology, L Ron Hubbard. These are not recognized by science and constitute a « health hazard and a danger to the security of the residents », the Mauricie region Health and Social Services Agency had concluded.

Sweating of patients for several hours combined with massive vitamin intake was of particular concern to authorities.

Mistreated patients

Moreover, Narconon Trois-Rivieres had subjected patients to humiliating practices, forced isolation and financial exploitation, CBC/Radio-Canada had revealed in 2014.

The Quebec Human Rights Commission came to these conclusions following an investigation on the establishment’s practices.

One of it’s victims, British Columbia resident David Love, is strongly opposed to the inauguration of a new Narconon in the country. « I think Narconon is a dangerous place for people to be treated », he says.

« For many drug addicts and alcoholics, there is not only the struggle with addiction. There is also the struggle with mental illness. Narconon doesn’t offer professional treatment for these troubles », he adds, while referring to his experience as a Narconon patient and employee.

Cambridge puts on the breaks

Alerted by « concerned » citizens, the city of Cambridge proceeded to inspect the Narconon installations as well as making different verifications.

The result : the city has forbidden the organization to carry on its activities. A center like Narconon has to obtain a permit from the Ontario Government or have provincial or federal financial backing, a city employee explained to CBC.

If Narconon is able to meet these criteria, the city will re-evaluate the situation.

Interviewed by the Cambridge Times, Narconon Cambridge director George Morfopoulos is offended by the obstacles he is facing, underlying that his organization is recognized as a charity in Canada.

M. Morfopoulos did not respond to our demands to be interviewed.

It is not the first time that Narconon is trying to establish itself in Ontario after being expelled from Quebec. In 2015, the group tried to convert a residence in Milton, Ontario, to a drug rehab center. The city refused to deliver a permit, invoking zoning bylaws.

The black panther

A few kilometers from the house where the drug rehab center should be located is a Church of Scientology. The Church says it supports Narconon’s international network, as well as other « humanitarian » programs, as indicated by the controversial religious organization's own website.

CBC/Radio-Canada has learned of other links between the two organizations.

Funds have been transferred, at least once, from Narconon Trois-Rivieres to the Church of Scientology of Montreal. This was a « gift » for a real estate project that would enable the renovation of a historic building in downtown Montreal, as explained today by the Church of Scientology of Montreal board of administrator secretary, Monique Deneault.

In 2008, following a reporter’s investigation, the Quebec Government admitted it was concerned by the close proximity between the two organizations and had announced stricter rules on drug rehab centers oversight.

Following this event, Jean Lariviere, the now deceased scientology of Montreal spokesperson had given advices to a Narconon Trois-Rivieres director. In an internal email obtained by CBC/Radio-Canada, Lariviere notably recommended him to go to Quebec City and discuss matters with public officials at the Health Ministry.

« Look what [L Ron Hubbard] says on how to face a black panther! », Lariviere wrote, in reference to the teachings of the founder of scientology.

Thanks to scientology, « the enemy will fall into apathy, like [Philippe] Couillard (former Minister of Health and Social Services) resigning from one of the most powerful position you can have in Parliament!!! », rejoiced the Narconon Trois-Rivieres director, speaking of the resignation of the Minister a month earlier.

(note : This resignation had nothing to do with anything related to Narconon or Scientology. The Minister was persuing his own political aspirations. He later became Prime Minister of Quebec.)

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CBC /Radio-Canada on Narconon Cambridge, June 3rd 2019

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