The Moose Jaw Police Service has confirmed it will investigate the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Centre, a facility now at the centre of a public controversy involving critical media reports and political commentary. This development follows a video statement released by the centre's namesake, Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, who forcefully denied allegations made by CBC News and Regina Walsh Acres MLA Jared Clarke.
Founder's Defence and Legal Action
In a video statement provided to the Regina Leader-Post, Dayan Goodenowe defended the practices of his Moose Jaw facility. He specifically addressed the case of a former client highlighted in CBC's reporting, asserting that her health had improved during her time at the centre. Goodenowe, who calls Moose Jaw his home, criticized both the national broadcaster and the NDP, stating their actions were "not acceptable behaviour from anyone in Saskatchewan."
Goodenowe revealed he has already initiated legal proceedings against the CBC for prior reporting related to him and the centre. In response, CBC Head of Public Affairs Chuck Thompson stated in an email, "CBC stands by the veracity of its reporting and will defend itself vigorously against Dr. Goodenowe’s lawsuit."
Political and Regulatory Scrutiny
The situation escalated into the political arena when NDP MLA Jared Clarke raised concerns in the Saskatchewan Legislature, calling for an investigation into the facility. Clarke followed this with a formal letter dated December 2, addressed to Moose Jaw Police Chief Robert Davis, requesting a criminal investigation.
Adding a layer of regulatory complexity, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan has commented on the challenges of overseeing such operations. The College stated that provincial laws governing medical practice "do not provide the tools necessary to deal effectively with a business that practises medicine without a licence." This highlights a potential gap in regulatory oversight for certain health service models.
Services and Ongoing Investigations
The centre, which operates under a corporate entity, promotes a focus on restoring the body’s natural regenerative capacity for individuals with degenerative ailments. The exact nature of the services and the subsequent death of a former client after she left Saskatchewan have become focal points of the controversy.
While the Moose Jaw police investigation is now underway, the Leader-Post notes it has not independently verified the information contained in the CBC reports. Goodenowe, in his statement, urged Saskatchewan residents to contact their elected officials regarding what he describes as false and misleading statements about his centre.
The unfolding situation places a spotlight on the intersection of alternative health services, media scrutiny, and regulatory jurisdiction in Saskatchewan. The outcomes of the police investigation and the ongoing lawsuit against CBC will likely have significant implications for the facility and the broader conversation about non-traditional medical practices in the province.
