OTTAWA, ON, December 21, 1989 - The War Amputations of Canada Thalidomide Task Force has just released a documentary to radio and cable stations in an effort to bring Canadians up to date on the work of the Task Force. The documentary, which runs 90 minutes on television and 17 minutes on radio, is simply titled: 'Thalidomide Update'.

The Task Force has received many queries from both the media and the public concerning the progress of the thalidomide victims' claim for compensation sicne the release of its report to the federal government last February 14.

"The public wants to know if the government is going to provide compensation to Canadian thalidomide victims," stated Cliff Chadderton, chief executive officer of The War Amps and producer of the documentary. "They want to know if the government is living up to promises made to thalidomide victims in the 60s."

The documentary sums up the developments of the Thalidomide Task Force since the release of its report. "The documentary is an accurate portrayal of the current situation," states Randy Warren, president of the Thalidomide victims Association of Canada. "We believe the documentary, by making the public aware of the failure of our government to act upon our report, will bring pressure to bear for action."

The cable version bears a poignant dedication to a young man named 'Benny'; a thalidomide victim who had a profound influence on Chadderton. Benny was just an infant when the Task Force chairman first met him.

"Benny was in part responsible," states Chadderton, "for the dedication that I have felt for the thalidomide victims. A simple salute to him seemed like the right way to acknowledge his effect on me and the Task Force."

Benny died in 1988 as a result of a car accident. The documentary is dedicated to his memory: "Benny, he did it on his own. 1961 - 1988."

Chadderton promises that the Task Force will continue to push forward until the government recognizes its responsibility to Canadian thalidomide victims.

"To borrow from Robert Frost," states Chadderton, "for thalidomide victims in Canada there is much more to be done and 'miles to go before we sleep.'"