Speech given by Shelley Page at Chinese Media Press Conference Nov.22/04

The public, the patients and the practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine are very concerned about the controversial licensing of Yan Xin, A Qi Gong Master who lives in the United States.

We are specifically concerned about the licensing process where Yan Xin was found to have fullfilled the granparenting requirements in order to be approved for the Dr. Title, entitling him to practice Acupuncture and Herbology in BC.

The College’s own information granted through a Freedom of Information request states that Yan Xin was approved for licensing on May 11/04, and this information was presented to the board on May 21, 2004.

Registrants of the College of TCM and Acupuncture have 3 questions which have repeatedly been asked, and thus far, have not been answered by this governing body. In fact, the people who have asked the questions have been served with letters threatening legal action.

The questions are:

1. Did the College grant a doctor license to Yan Xin on May 11, 2004? Yes or No?

2. Did Yan Xin have 18 months of B.C. practice in herbology And acupuncture? Yes or No?

3. Was Angus Yuen a board member, a registration committee member, and a paid staff member during the time of the May 11, 2004 registration committee meeting?

Several members of our profession, staff members and former staff members of the College, and board members have information regarding the process used in licensing Yan Xin. As a former Registration Committee member, I have witnessed unusual proceedings in the registration committee meetings. I cannot publicly divulge information from this meetings, as I have signed a non-disclosure agreement which keeps me from doing so. The testimony from me as well as from others can only be given in an inquiry.

Therefore, the TCMA of B.C. has demanded that the Minister of Health, Colin Hansen, order a public inquiry into the irregularities of the licensing of Yan Xin, someone we perceive to be unqualified under the provisions of the bylaws of the CTCMA.

There have been letters issued by Mr Mason Loh and Yan Xin threatening legal action if we do not stop asking questions which demand accountability of this licensing body. In fact, these letters demand an apology for asking questions which are inherently our right to ask in this democratic society.

I am a Canadian, and we are given the right to free speech. We are encouraged to question authority as part of the democratic process used in Canada. We are simply asking questions. It is unfortunate that the College, through Mason Loh, prefers to answer questions only through the courts. Does this demonstrate transparency in this government institution?

Lastly I want to draw attention to our TCM Physicians Oath which states:
1. I will promote the integrity and practice of TCM.
2. Through honest and respectful collaboration with my colleagues, I will uphold the highest standards in the service of patients.
To me, this means that we, as TCM professionals, have a responsibility to stand up and ask for clarification when something does not seem right and when the public safety is threatened. We need answers. And Mr. Hansen is the one to be able to facilitate the answers...that is HIS responsibility. I have applied in writing to the Ministry of Health’s office for a meeting with Mr. Hansen. It won’t take long ... it’s very simple. Let’s get this issue solved so we can move on to build a strong profession which the public needs and deserves.


— Shelley Page, Chair TCMABC