Barbara McDougall is shown in Toronto in December of 2008.Arantxa Cedillo / Veras
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has added its voice to calls that a former federal cabinet minister resign from the International Development Research Agency.
The journal says Barbara McDougall should step down as chair of the IDRC board at a two-day meeting beginning Tuesday because she was also, until recently, on the board of Imperial Tobacco Canada.
Ms. McDougall, who has been chair of the IDRC since 2007, resigned from the Imperial Tobacco board in April of this year.
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The medical journal says having Ms. McDougall chair the agency's board contravenes the international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which prohibits tobacco-industry involvement in the research and development sector.
IDRC helps developing countries find solutions to socio-economic and environmental problems through knowledge and science.
"Ms. McDougall's ongoing role on IDRC's board has undermined the institution's reputation and her effectiveness as chair," the editorial says.
"Ms. McDougall, who has had a distinguished record of public service, would best serve IDRC by stepping aside."
In early May, the journal Open Medicine also called for Ms. McDougall to resign the IDRC job. Open Medicine was started by editors who quit the CMAJ in protest when its owners, the Canadian Medical Association, fired former editor Dr. John Hoey.