The sudden discovery of three-year-old e-mails by a top civil servant ground proceedings at the Cameron Inquiry to a halt Tuesday.
Health Minister Ross Wiseman suggested the e-mails vindicate Premier Danny Williams, and prove that health officials downplayed the significance of cancer-testing problems when informing the premier's office in July 2005.
"I don't think the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for a moment ... would believe that the premier intentionally - intentionally - withheld information that would have a real impact on a large number of people, or information that was in the greater public interest," Wiseman told reporters at Confederation Building, while indicating that Williams will likely testify at the inquiry.
The newly discovered e-mails were not made available to reporters Tuesday.
The province suddenly turned up the new documents around midnight the night before.
Inquiry lawyer Bern Coffey announced Tuesday he received an e-mail from government lawyer Rolf Pritchard, alerting him to sudden discoveries by Robert Thompson.
Thompson is the former clerk of the executive council - the province's top civil servant - and now the secretary to cabinet for health issues.
Finding the e-mails was a "significant surprise," Thompson wrote Pritchard.
"My e-mail archive was initially searched several months ago and disclosed to the commission. The search was performed on the Groupwise system. To the best of my knowledge the search was complete. Today, when listening to John Ottenheimer's testimony about Carolyn Chaplin, it occurred to me to conduct a new search using her name as the search criteria. Searching e-mail has now become much easier with the new Microsoft Outlook mail system and the search was completed in seconds."
The newly discovered e-mail traffic involves a key meeting that Ottenheimer, the then-health minister, had with former Eastern Health CEO George Tilley on July 19, 2005.
That meeting was the first time Ottenheimer said he found out about cancer testing problems.
Ottenheimer testified Monday that Chaplin, his then-communications director, informed the premier's office around the same time that Ottenheimer himself found out.
Last year, Williams told the legislature he didn't find out about the botched tests until October 2005.
It was not clear why Williams was not briefed on the matter until months after his office first received a heads-up from Ottenheimer's department.
Wiseman said the newly unearthed e-mails from July 2005 downplay the significance of the cancer troubles.
"What we didn't hear (in Monday's testimony) - which is an important point, an important piece of evidence that will come out over time - is that later that day, that same official advised the premier's office that there was no action required," Wiseman said.
Wiseman declined to answer reporters' questions about when Williams did find out about the hormone-testing issue. "I'm not speaking on behalf of the premier here today, in terms of what he knew, what he knew when, and who shared it with him."
The premier is out of the country on vacation, and has declined interview requests.
The health minister was critical of Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones, accusing her of making "inappropriate" and "malicious" open-line radio comments about the premier's knowledge of events, and whether he withheld information.
Jones did issue a news release Tuesday criticizing the government's commitment to openness and transparency as a sham. But her verbatim open-line comments could not be independently confirmed before deadline.
Inquiry proceedings are set to resume Thursday.
rantle@thetelegram.com bsweet@thetelegram.com
Found e-mails delay inquiry testimony
Health Minister Ross Wiseman speaks to reporters at Confederation Building Tuesday about the delay in testimony at the Cameron Inquiry due to recently found e-mails. Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram
- Published on April 2nd, 2008
- Published on June 30th, 2010
-
Rob Antle & Barb Sweet
Premier will likely testify, Wiseman says
The sudden discovery of three-year-old e-mails by a top civil servant ground proceedings at the Cameron Inquiry to a halt Tuesday.
Health Minister Ross Wiseman suggested the e-mails vindicate Premier Danny Williams, and prove that health officials downplayed the significance of cancer-testing problems when informing the premier's office in July 2005.
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Comments
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- Byron H
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:31
Of course the communications directors will take the blame.
They put the words into the politicians mouths and they clearly chose the wrong words as evidenced by Minster Wiseman yesterday.
Fire some bureaucrats, but fire the Minster and Clerk Thompson first. -
- Norm D
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:08
The statement by Mr. Wiseman that officials deemed the issue was not serious demonstrates a complete lack of understanding by the senior bureaucrats.
Hundreds of cases were misdiagnosed.
What is the bureaucratic definition of important - thousands of misdiagnosed cases??
Regardless,the Premier and cabinet should have shown some good judgement and deemed it serious.
A total failure of responsibility and judgement from all, including Danny Williams. -
- Justin
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:01
Had these women's health been the paramount concern of decision makers, disclosure would have been made immediately. S. 7 of the Charter guarantees that Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. And S. 1 guarantees that Charter rights are subject only to reasonable limits. It's hard to imagine that the Charter would characterize the delay in notifying these women of the status of their medical tests as reasonable.
-
- Richard
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:51
Oh of course they'll take the blame.
Political staffer are worth their weight in gold, to quote the Premier. And when a scapegoat is needed, they're worth even more. -
- David
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:31:15
I wonder what the outcome of the election would have been had all this information come out before oct. 9th?
-
- DB
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:31:10
The inquiry has not seen those e-mails yet so the only person suggesting vindication for Danny is Wiseman.
-
- Graham
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:21
How convenient that these-mails should just appear out of the blue as soon as the Premier is implicated in this mess. Maybe he had them pre-dated and sent them from his lap top on the beach at his Vacation hide away. Equally strange he seems to have vanished while all this is happening. Im sure his little informers are keeping him up to date on whats happening. No need to worry were in good hands. After all Tom Rideout is Deputy Premier. Perhaps Danny is checking out Vacation property down south and Tom can put an office down there. What the hell we paid for his other property didnt we.? I can hardly waite to see Danny strut in front of the Cameras clasping his hands giving us that patented big sunny well tanned smile, and coming up with a way to blame our Prime Minister for all this. After all Prime Minister Harper is to blame for everything thats wrong in Dannys little world. At least thats what Danny keeps telling us. Everything is always someone elses fault in Dannys world. His followers have the same mentality they blame past Governments for all thats going on now. In part that is true, but the fact remains Teflon Danny is in charge now. This is his watch not Grimes, or Tobins, or Wells, or Peckfords or anyone elses. He puts a gag on anyone and everything that might make him look bad from the Auditor General on down. Disagree with him and you find yourself on the outside looking in. I may sound very negative in my comments here and Im sure some of you will be quick to tell me that. I dont and never have trusted Danny Williams since he was first elected. My challenge to Danny is..PROVE ME WRONG..Tell me why I should start trusting or believing anything you do. If Im wrong I will gladly kiss your behind whenever you bend over just like your devoted deciples are doing now. If I am right you can kiss mine. Actually you can do that anytime. I voted for you Danny the least you can do for me and for all of us is to for once BE HONEST.
-
- Jamie
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:33
It's quote interesting that Mr Wiseman was quick to point out yesterday not to make this a political issue. Yeah whatever! Danny's government plays politics with everything they touch but the minute that they might be at fault, they want everyone to sit down and behave themselves and not say a word. While their loyal followers will always do just that, the rest of us are tired of playing their games or even watching on the sidelines. DANNY et al are the ones playing with people's lives. Danny et al were the ones that could have brought this to the public a long time ago but chose not to. Danny et al were the ones that could have made a difference...and I stress could have since so many women have been affected.
But that opportunity has since past and now look where we are. In the middle of an inquiry all because Danny's government decided to keep hidden what wouldn't look good for them in the polls. He couldn't manipulate this information to make it look good in his favour.
Danny and his puppets are in trouble now. Clearly they cannot strategically manipulate Madam Commissioner. The only thing Danny will do now is decide which puppet he will cut loose and take the brunt of the fall on his behalf. -
- Susan
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:26:24
Government is quick to take the glory when things are going well and slow to acknowledge blame.
So far, not one official or politician has said WE WILL FIX THIS.
That is what we need to hear. -
- frank
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:23
I find it odd that on Monday, after Ottenheimer indicated that the Preimier's office knew in 2005 that later that evening they suddenly came across e-mails that vindicated Premier Danny Williams.
-
- Larry
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:40
What a joke Danny Williams are making of our Province. His childish bickering with the Prime Minister. His constant cover ups. His gag on anyone that makes him look as stupid as he really is. Do the right thing Danny and resign. It will be the best decision you have made since we elected you. If you need a good lawyer Danny Eddie Greenspan defended Conrad Black. OOPS not a good idea just look where Conrad is today. Just defend yourself. Like Graham said earlier be honest for once. You just might like it.
-
- Andrew
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:40
It appears that the Premier's delay in ordering action on the faulty breast cancer tests may have lead to unnecessary deaths. He prides himself on running a tight ship, so he must ...must...take responsibility for the bad, as well as the good. We voters expect a prompt response from the Premier to the allegations of his involvement in this matter. I am of the opinion that Danny has the deaths of our sisters, aunts, and mothers, to account for.
-
- DB
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:07
This is what happens when government nickels and dimes its way in providing services. If you want to underpay and be uncompetitive then your going to get the people that are unqualified or no else wanted. We have the lowest, or near lowest paid, doctors, nurses and public service but highest paid MHA's in the country. And right now they're on the verge of sending nurses on strike. We already have an unofficial two tier health system whereby people who can afford to fly off to Ontario or the States for treatment. Why not make it official and we won't have to trust government with our lives.
-
- Elizabeth
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:19:49
More political arse-covering.
Idiotic and shameful comments from Mr. Wiseman.
I guess the politicians realize now that it is a serious problem. -
- Diane
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:18:02
I think David has a good point also,I wonder what the election results would have been??? Graham sure said it all.It's time for Danny to be totally Honest.
-
- Robert
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:16:24
How many e-mails related to this inquiries have not been uncovered by the investigation? The fact that Wiseman can come up with a coupe of e-mails by simpy changing his search parameters implies that there may be other important facts hidden.
We need the whole story, not just bits and pieces. Government again has proven their incompetence in managing important public information. Shape up your act! -
- Mavis
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:16:07
This is all an utter sham. How convenient that these new emails pop up. However, the real issue here is not this circus but the scam of Cancer Inc. Do yourself a favour and stay away from doctors unless you get hit by a very big truck. Cancer is the biggest medical racket out there and this circus is only the tip of the iceberg.
-
- John
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:14:46
After all this I do not trust any doctors. They are worse than the worst in my opinion.
-
- Jim
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:14:17
I'll bet that Danny Williams and his family would use the best private health care available if they faced something like Cancer. That is his privilige due to his success.
The rest of us cannot afford to and we rely upon our taxpayer funded health system, which Mr. Williams is now responsible for.
We have been let down terribly; not only the mistakes at Eastern Health, but the attitude by officials and bureaucrats that they must protect their own interest instead of the public well being.
For officials and bureaucrats to decide the matter was not important is a grave mistake and should be severely punished. People have died because of this and senior officials like Mr. Thompson and the Premier's Office agreed the matter was not important as stated by Minister Wiseman yesterday????
You campaigned for the job of Premier, Mr. Williams, time to step up and get things done. -
- Ken
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:14:12
I take pride in the fact that at 57 years of age I have hardly ever been sick in my life. Having said that and after watching the Minister Wiseman dog and pony show I was ready to puke. It makes me sick to think these people think we are so gullable as to believe every lame excuse they come up with. Danny has his seals well trained to do as he tells them. Trouble is there are still some among us that believe the crap coming from Williams and his clowns. NOT ME. Thank God more people are seeing through his smoke and mirror games. Is it too little too late, or can we like someone suggested here yesterday, start a Petition to put Danny on extended vacation. Norm Doyle would be an excellent replacement. At least we know hes HONEST and we can TRUST him.
-
- Joan
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:11:59
Would someone please please start the Petition here on line. Its time we got rid of King Danny and some of his bobble heads. How many more people have to die before we all wake up, Shame on you Danny. SHAME SHAME SHAME.
-
- Andrew
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:11:08
Excellent point David. Put the pieces together and we can all see why this was covered up by Williams. Graham has been constantly bringing things like this to peoples attention on VOCM question of the day. The result at first was predictable. All the Danny lovers came out in defense of their King. I wonder how many people can now finally see whats going on? Better yet how many of the brainwashed followers will now admit that Danny isnt quite a squeaky clean as he would like us to believe. Bring on the Petition the time has come to make changes. By the time we loose the snow,Danny has to go. They are both annoying us, they both keep teasing us with a promise of something better. This time of the year we are fully aware they are both so full of crap after all winter that we need to clean everything up. Starting with the Premiers Office. If we can get all the hot air out of that place the snow will melt in no time at all.
-
- Doug
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:10:49
I appears obvious that Wiseman - and by extension - Williams - are about to blame this mistake on the communications officer in John Ottenheimer's office. Surely, someone at the Ministerial level should have confirmed that the information from the communications staff person was not important enough to require action. And, if Mr. Ottenheimer had felt so strongly that his initial reaction was to go public with what they knew, how do they explain Minister Wiseman's comment - What we didn't hear (in Monday's testimony) - which is an important point, an important piece of evidence that will come out over time - is that later that day, that same official advised the premier's office that there was no action required. And like Graham put it so succinctly above, the coincidences are just too cute by half to even suggest that the sudden discovery of these e-mail exchanges just sort of happened.
-
- Ashley
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:09:35
Its time for Danny Williams to get his head out of the sand, stop patting himself on the back, stop telling us how good he is and how bad everone else is. Lead by example Danny. So far your not an example I would ever want to follow. Graham your comments were great I think you nailed it.
-
- Byron H
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:23:48
Of course the communications directors will take the blame.
They put the words into the politicians mouths and they clearly chose the wrong words as evidenced by Minster Wiseman yesterday.
Fire some bureaucrats, but fire the Minster and Clerk Thompson first. -
- Norm D
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:23:12
The statement by Mr. Wiseman that officials deemed the issue was not serious demonstrates a complete lack of understanding by the senior bureaucrats.
Hundreds of cases were misdiagnosed.
What is the bureaucratic definition of important - thousands of misdiagnosed cases??
Regardless,the Premier and cabinet should have shown some good judgement and deemed it serious.
A total failure of responsibility and judgement from all, including Danny Williams. -
- Justin
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:23:01
Had these women's health been the paramount concern of decision makers, disclosure would have been made immediately. S. 7 of the Charter guarantees that Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. And S. 1 guarantees that Charter rights are subject only to reasonable limits. It's hard to imagine that the Charter would characterize the delay in notifying these women of the status of their medical tests as reasonable.
-
- Richard
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:22:45
Oh of course they'll take the blame.
Political staffer are worth their weight in gold, to quote the Premier. And when a scapegoat is needed, they're worth even more. -
- David
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:19:38
I wonder what the outcome of the election would have been had all this information come out before oct. 9th?
-
- DB
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:19:30
The inquiry has not seen those e-mails yet so the only person suggesting vindication for Danny is Wiseman.
-
- Graham
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:18:07
How convenient that these-mails should just appear out of the blue as soon as the Premier is implicated in this mess. Maybe he had them pre-dated and sent them from his lap top on the beach at his Vacation hide away. Equally strange he seems to have vanished while all this is happening. Im sure his little informers are keeping him up to date on whats happening. No need to worry were in good hands. After all Tom Rideout is Deputy Premier. Perhaps Danny is checking out Vacation property down south and Tom can put an office down there. What the hell we paid for his other property didnt we.? I can hardly waite to see Danny strut in front of the Cameras clasping his hands giving us that patented big sunny well tanned smile, and coming up with a way to blame our Prime Minister for all this. After all Prime Minister Harper is to blame for everything thats wrong in Dannys little world. At least thats what Danny keeps telling us. Everything is always someone elses fault in Dannys world. His followers have the same mentality they blame past Governments for all thats going on now. In part that is true, but the fact remains Teflon Danny is in charge now. This is his watch not Grimes, or Tobins, or Wells, or Peckfords or anyone elses. He puts a gag on anyone and everything that might make him look bad from the Auditor General on down. Disagree with him and you find yourself on the outside looking in. I may sound very negative in my comments here and Im sure some of you will be quick to tell me that. I dont and never have trusted Danny Williams since he was first elected. My challenge to Danny is..PROVE ME WRONG..Tell me why I should start trusting or believing anything you do. If Im wrong I will gladly kiss your behind whenever you bend over just like your devoted deciples are doing now. If I am right you can kiss mine. Actually you can do that anytime. I voted for you Danny the least you can do for me and for all of us is to for once BE HONEST.
-
- Jamie
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:15:04
It's quote interesting that Mr Wiseman was quick to point out yesterday not to make this a political issue. Yeah whatever! Danny's government plays politics with everything they touch but the minute that they might be at fault, they want everyone to sit down and behave themselves and not say a word. While their loyal followers will always do just that, the rest of us are tired of playing their games or even watching on the sidelines. DANNY et al are the ones playing with people's lives. Danny et al were the ones that could have brought this to the public a long time ago but chose not to. Danny et al were the ones that could have made a difference...and I stress could have since so many women have been affected.
But that opportunity has since past and now look where we are. In the middle of an inquiry all because Danny's government decided to keep hidden what wouldn't look good for them in the polls. He couldn't manipulate this information to make it look good in his favour.
Danny and his puppets are in trouble now. Clearly they cannot strategically manipulate Madam Commissioner. The only thing Danny will do now is decide which puppet he will cut loose and take the brunt of the fall on his behalf. -
- Susan
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:13:18
Government is quick to take the glory when things are going well and slow to acknowledge blame.
So far, not one official or politician has said WE WILL FIX THIS.
That is what we need to hear. -
- frank
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:10:00
I find it odd that on Monday, after Ottenheimer indicated that the Preimier's office knew in 2005 that later that evening they suddenly came across e-mails that vindicated Premier Danny Williams.
-
- Andrew
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:05:26
It appears that the Premier's delay in ordering action on the faulty breast cancer tests may have lead to unnecessary deaths. He prides himself on running a tight ship, so he must ...must...take responsibility for the bad, as well as the good. We voters expect a prompt response from the Premier to the allegations of his involvement in this matter. I am of the opinion that Danny has the deaths of our sisters, aunts, and mothers, to account for.
-
- Larry
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:05:25
What a joke Danny Williams are making of our Province. His childish bickering with the Prime Minister. His constant cover ups. His gag on anyone that makes him look as stupid as he really is. Do the right thing Danny and resign. It will be the best decision you have made since we elected you. If you need a good lawyer Danny Eddie Greenspan defended Conrad Black. OOPS not a good idea just look where Conrad is today. Just defend yourself. Like Graham said earlier be honest for once. You just might like it.
-
- DB
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:04:25
This is what happens when government nickels and dimes its way in providing services. If you want to underpay and be uncompetitive then your going to get the people that are unqualified or no else wanted. We have the lowest, or near lowest paid, doctors, nurses and public service but highest paid MHA's in the country. And right now they're on the verge of sending nurses on strike. We already have an unofficial two tier health system whereby people who can afford to fly off to Ontario or the States for treatment. Why not make it official and we won't have to trust government with our lives.
-
- Elizabeth
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:02:08
More political arse-covering.
Idiotic and shameful comments from Mr. Wiseman.
I guess the politicians realize now that it is a serious problem. -
- Diane
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:59:07
I think David has a good point also,I wonder what the election results would have been??? Graham sure said it all.It's time for Danny to be totally Honest.
-
- Robert
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:56:26
How many e-mails related to this inquiries have not been uncovered by the investigation? The fact that Wiseman can come up with a coupe of e-mails by simpy changing his search parameters implies that there may be other important facts hidden.
We need the whole story, not just bits and pieces. Government again has proven their incompetence in managing important public information. Shape up your act! -
- Mavis
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:55:58
This is all an utter sham. How convenient that these new emails pop up. However, the real issue here is not this circus but the scam of Cancer Inc. Do yourself a favour and stay away from doctors unless you get hit by a very big truck. Cancer is the biggest medical racket out there and this circus is only the tip of the iceberg.
-
- John
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:53:51
After all this I do not trust any doctors. They are worse than the worst in my opinion.
-
- Jim
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:53:06
I'll bet that Danny Williams and his family would use the best private health care available if they faced something like Cancer. That is his privilige due to his success.
The rest of us cannot afford to and we rely upon our taxpayer funded health system, which Mr. Williams is now responsible for.
We have been let down terribly; not only the mistakes at Eastern Health, but the attitude by officials and bureaucrats that they must protect their own interest instead of the public well being.
For officials and bureaucrats to decide the matter was not important is a grave mistake and should be severely punished. People have died because of this and senior officials like Mr. Thompson and the Premier's Office agreed the matter was not important as stated by Minister Wiseman yesterday????
You campaigned for the job of Premier, Mr. Williams, time to step up and get things done. -
- Ken
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:52:57
I take pride in the fact that at 57 years of age I have hardly ever been sick in my life. Having said that and after watching the Minister Wiseman dog and pony show I was ready to puke. It makes me sick to think these people think we are so gullable as to believe every lame excuse they come up with. Danny has his seals well trained to do as he tells them. Trouble is there are still some among us that believe the crap coming from Williams and his clowns. NOT ME. Thank God more people are seeing through his smoke and mirror games. Is it too little too late, or can we like someone suggested here yesterday, start a Petition to put Danny on extended vacation. Norm Doyle would be an excellent replacement. At least we know hes HONEST and we can TRUST him.
-
- Joan
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:48:56
Would someone please please start the Petition here on line. Its time we got rid of King Danny and some of his bobble heads. How many more people have to die before we all wake up, Shame on you Danny. SHAME SHAME SHAME.
-
- Andrew
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:47:30
Excellent point David. Put the pieces together and we can all see why this was covered up by Williams. Graham has been constantly bringing things like this to peoples attention on VOCM question of the day. The result at first was predictable. All the Danny lovers came out in defense of their King. I wonder how many people can now finally see whats going on? Better yet how many of the brainwashed followers will now admit that Danny isnt quite a squeaky clean as he would like us to believe. Bring on the Petition the time has come to make changes. By the time we loose the snow,Danny has to go. They are both annoying us, they both keep teasing us with a promise of something better. This time of the year we are fully aware they are both so full of crap after all winter that we need to clean everything up. Starting with the Premiers Office. If we can get all the hot air out of that place the snow will melt in no time at all.
-
- Doug
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:47:04
I appears obvious that Wiseman - and by extension - Williams - are about to blame this mistake on the communications officer in John Ottenheimer's office. Surely, someone at the Ministerial level should have confirmed that the information from the communications staff person was not important enough to require action. And, if Mr. Ottenheimer had felt so strongly that his initial reaction was to go public with what they knew, how do they explain Minister Wiseman's comment - What we didn't hear (in Monday's testimony) - which is an important point, an important piece of evidence that will come out over time - is that later that day, that same official advised the premier's office that there was no action required. And like Graham put it so succinctly above, the coincidences are just too cute by half to even suggest that the sudden discovery of these e-mail exchanges just sort of happened.
-
- Ashley
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:44:55
Its time for Danny Williams to get his head out of the sand, stop patting himself on the back, stop telling us how good he is and how bad everone else is. Lead by example Danny. So far your not an example I would ever want to follow. Graham your comments were great I think you nailed it.
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