Author, position
CBMH/BCHM / Volume 22:2 2005 / p. ??-??
Mark L. Robertson, Scott Library, York University.
313-351
An Annotated Chronology of the
History of AIDS in Toronto: 
The First Five Years, 1981-1986
MARK L. ROBERTSON 
Abstract. The purpose of this annotated chronology is to help provide a frame-
work for research into the history of the first five years of the AIDS epidemic in
Canada but especially as it unfolded in Toronto, Canada. The chronological
entries can be used to identify the order and relationship of particular themes,
while the sources listed in the chronology can be used as points of reference for
further investigations. This chronology is primarily derived from reports in key
newspapers based in the Toronto region. Each chronological entry lists the
sources which reported on the particular event. 
Résumé. Cette chronologie annotée a pour objectif de fournir un cadre pour
des recherches sur l’histoire des cinq premières années de l’épidémie de SIDA
au Canada, et plus spécifiquement à Toronto. Les entrées chronologiques peu-
vent être utilisées pour identifier l’ordre et les relations de thèmes particuliers,
alors que les sources listées dans la chronologie peuvent être utilisées comme
point de références pour des investigations futures. Cette chronologie est issue
de rapports des principaux journaux de la région de Toronto. Chaque entrée
chronologique nomme les sources rapportant les divers évènements. 
INTRODUCTION
It has been over 20 years since the advent of AIDS in North America. The
first American cases were reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report in early June 1981.1 Although the first Canadian case was reported
nine months later in March 1982,2 epidemiologically AIDS in Canada
seems to have lagged approximately two years behind that in the United
States during the early years.3
One could argue that even (or perhaps especially) in the early days
there was always a general recognition among the affected communities
of the historical significance of the epidemic and the responses through
activism and community organizing—that these years were experienced
as “history in the making.” It seems incongruous then that even after
more than 20 years so little has been written on the history of AIDS in
Canada.4 The purpose of this annotated chronology is to help provide a
framework for research into the early days of the epidemic in Canada,
especially as events unfolded in the city of Toronto. The chronological
entries can be used to identify the order and relationship of particular
themes (for instance, the response from the gay community, issues con-
cerning the blood supply, public hysteria, and media coverage), while
the sources listed in the chronology can be used as points of reference for
further investigations. This chronology is derived from reports in key
newspapers based in the Toronto region (primarily the Toronto Star, the
Globe and Mail, the Toronto Sun, and the gay and lesbian monthly the
Body Politic5). Each chronological entry lists the sources that reported on
the particular event. There are doubtless significant events in this history,
which went entirely unreported at the time, but these are not reflected in
this project. The chronology is derived primarily from the reporting of
mainstream primary sources. 
This chronology is not national in scope. The intention is to cover
the events as they were experienced and reported in Toronto. This was
simply a practical consideration; a great many more resources would
have to be consulted to create a national framework. The chronology is
not, however, restricted to events that occurred in or are relevant only to
Toronto. Most of the provincial governmental responses to the epidemic
occurred in Toronto, and as one of the major urban centres in Canada
many of the developments in the city had impacts far beyond its bound-
aries. Likewise, reports of key events elsewhere in Canada (and beyond)
have been included as part of the context of what was happening in
Toronto. For instance, the simultaneous appearance of cases in other
Canadian urban centres such as Montreal, Vancouver, and Windsor have
been included, as have major international events such as the discovery
in the United States and France of the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), and the announcement of Rock Hudson’s illness. The emphasis of
this history is also on the political and social impacts of the early years of
AIDS. Scientific and epidemiological developments have only been selec-
tively included. 
314 MARK L. ROBERTSON
ANNOTATED CHRONOLOGY
5 June 1981
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report publishes a report of a cluster
of five cases of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia discovered among
“active homosexuals” in Los Angeles. (MMWR 1981;30:250-52)
14 June 1981
A girl in Montreal is born with what is later believed to be AIDS. Her
Haitian mother dies six weeks later from AIDS-related symptoms. This
appears to be the first case of perinatal transmission in Canada. The case
is not reported until several years later. (15 February 1983, Toronto Star
Newbery E8)
1 September 1981
First mention of “gay cancer” in the Canadian gay press. Reports not so
much on the cases of cancer among gay men, but on the way in which
the American media has created panic by sloppy and biased reporting.
(September 1981, Body Politic 19)
10 December 1981
One hundred and eighty cases of a mysterious condition, which impairs
the body’s defenses, have been reported in the United States in the pre-
ceding six months. These cases include one man from Montreal. Sev-
enty-four have died, all of whom were homosexual or bisexual. Of the
180, 92% are gay men. (11 December 1981, Toronto Star Dunlop A4)
27 March 1982
The first Canadian account of what would later be known as AIDS is
published in the Canada Diseases Weekly Report. The 43-year-old gay Wind-
sor man had been ill since returning from Haiti and died of pneumocys-
tis carinii pneumonia on 19 February 1982. (CDWR 1982; 8[13]: 65-7)
July 1982
Four cases of the “gay plague” have surfaced in Canada (Montreal, Van-
couver and Ontario). (21 July 1982, Globe and Mail 9)
July/August 1982
First use of term AIDS [ACIDS: Acquired Community Immune Defi-
ciency Syndrome] in the Body Politic. (July/August, 1982 Body Politic 16)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 315
November 1982
AIDS is discussed at the First National Conference on Sexually Trans-
mitted Diseases held at the Prince Hotel in Toronto. Dr. Marc Steben
notes that gay men are passing information amongst themselves, and
suggests that while the cause of AIDS is unknown, poppers, promiscuity
and specific sexual acts need to be considered as candidates. Of 14
reported Canadian AIDS cases, 10 people have died. None survived
more than 20 months from the onset of symptoms. Eleven cases have
been found in Montreal, and one each in Vancouver, Windsor and
Toronto. Four more cases are suspected. (26 November 1982, Toronto Star
Newbery C21)
Two seminal articles appear in the Body Politic. Michael Lynch publishes
“Living with Kaposi’s” in which he profiles gay men in New York living
with Kaposi’s Sarcoma and the community’s eager but ill-advised
embrace of the medical community and discourses of pathology. He
calls for a specifically gay response to AIDS. This article is accompanied
by a shorter piece by Bill Lewis entitled “The real gay epidemic: panic
and paranoia.” (November 1982, Body Politic 31-37; 38-40)
January/February 1983
Dr. Lawrence Mass (a writer for the New York Native) and Dr. Daniel
William (an outspoken physician from New York) have letters published
in the Body Politic defending themselves from accusations made by
Michael Lynch and Bill Lewis (in the November 1982 issue of Body
Politic) that they are fanning the flames of hysteria in the gay commu-
nity. Lynch and Lewis respond. (January/February, 1983 Body Politic 427)
10 March 1983
The Canadian Red Cross asks “active” gays, bisexuals, IV drug users
and Haitians to cease donating blood in an effort to curb the spread of
AIDS, although it is still not known how AIDS is transmitted. The Body
Politic is asked to help publicize this plea. (10 March 1983, Toronto Sun 13;
10 March 1983, Toronto Star A4; 10 March 1983, Globe and Mail Gadd 1,2)
The Canadian Red Cross proposes a more detailed screening question-
naire to ascertain more thoroughly the state of a donor’s health. (15
March 1983, Toronto Sun 32)
30 March 1983
The Red Cross is accused of racism in their attempt to screen out Haitians
from donating blood. (31 March 1983, Toronto Star Emerson A1, A4)
316 MARK L. ROBERTSON
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 317
April 1983
American AIDS activist Michael Callen writes a nasty letter to the Body
Politic criticizing Lynch and Lewis’ articles (see November 1982). Bill
Lewis responds with article entitled “AIDS: discounting the promiscuity
theory.” (April 1983, Body Politic 5-6; 11)
4 April 1983
Dr. Stan Read of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children says the incidence
of AIDS infection in Canada could double in the next year. He also
announces that his research team has applied for $1.6 million in federal
grant money to study cures for AIDS. (5 April 1983, Toronto Sun 23)
5 April 1983
The Hassle Free Clinic and Gays in Health Care sponsor a forum at Ryer-
son Polytechnical Institute. Over 300 people attend. This meeting pro-
vides the impetus for the eventual founding of the AIDS Committee of
Toronto. (14 December 1985, Toronto Star Newbery B4)
5 May 1983
Health and Welfare Canada sets up an Ad Hoc Task Force on AIDS to be
chaired by Alastair Clayton, Director-General of Health Canada’s Labo-
ratory Centre for Disease Control. (June 1983, Body Politic 14)
1 June 1983
Ontario Health Minister Larry Grossman announces the formation of a
six-member committee (later named the Ontario Advisory Committee
on AIDS) to advise him on issues related to AIDS. (2 June 1983, Toronto
Sun Goldstein 38; 2 June 1983, Toronto Star D25; July/August 1983, Body
Politic 12)
7-12 June 1983
A manifesto entitled the “Denver Principles” is adopted at the 2nd
annual National AIDS Forum in Denver, Colorado, marking the begin-
ning of the People with AIDS (PWA) movement in the United States. A
copy is reprinted in the Body Politic. (October 1983, Body Politic)
9 June 1983
AIDS is a major topic of discussion at the annual meeting of the Ontario
Medical Association. In an address, Dr. Jenny Heathcoate cautions against
AIDS hysteria, citing the presence of only 21 cases in Canada since 1979.
She condemns the Red Cross’s practice of preventing gay men and
Haitians from donating blood as “gross discrimination.” Dr. Gordon Ker-
bel forecasts that AIDS will become an epidemic in Canada. (10 June
1983, Globe and Mail Hollobon 5; 10 June 1983, Toronto Sun 33)
27 June 1983
Dr. Norman Lapointe tells a meeting of the Canadian Pediatric Society
that 70% of AIDS cases have been homosexuals, although it has also
been reported in Haitians, hemophiliacs and drug addicts. In Canada,
four children have died and several others are being monitored at St. Jus-
tine’s Hospital in Montreal. This raises questions about the route of
transmission of AIDS. (28 June 1983, Toronto Star 1; 28 June 1983, Globe and
Mail 10; 11 July 1983, Globe and Mail MacKenzie 9)
28 June 1983
Ontario Health Minister Larry Grossman says he has no evidence of
AIDS deaths among children in Ontario. (29 June 1983, Toronto Sun 42)
29 June 1983
Two fundraising marathons are announced with the goal of raising $1.8
million for AIDS research. Seventeen people will run a relay between
Montreal and Toronto, and 33 will run a relay between Vancouver and
Calgary. Both marathons are planned for 1 October 1983. (30 June 1983
Toronto Star A6)
30 June 1983
At a press conference at the Toronto City Hall, the Toronto Public Health
Department announces a seven-point strategy for dealing with AIDS.
This includes informing the gay community of risks and symptoms asso-
ciated with AIDS (pamphlets and posters are to be ready in three weeks),
informing the health department staff on how to advise the public on
AIDS, supporting universal precautions in hospitals, establishing a liai-
son with hospitals to ensure staff deal with AIDS patients appropriately,
reassuring the public about the low risk of getting AIDS, and staying
connected with local, provincial and federal governments, as well as
other health departments. The Department worries that without better
education, Canadians may develop the same AIDS hysteria as seen in
places in the US. (1 July 1983, Toronto Star Pigg A13; 1 July 1983, Globe and
Mail Hollobon 5; 26 July 1983, Globe and Mail 6 Editorial)
Peter Evans, a 28-year old theatre designer from Ottawa, becomes the
first Canadian with AIDS to speak publicly about his experiences, when
he presents with another person with AIDS, Robert Cecchi from New
York City, at the City Hall press conference. (1 July 1983, Globe and Mail
Hollobon 5)
Ontario Health Minister Larry Grossman announces the creation of a
seven-member Ontario Advisory Committee on AIDS to be headed by
318 MARK L. ROBERTSON
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 319
Dr. Mary Fanning, a specialist from Toronto General Hospital. They will
consider whether to set up special clinics to deal with AIDS, and how to
communicate information to the professionals and the public. Dr. Fan-
ning also says the Ministry of Health is proposing that AIDS be included
on the list of diseases that must be reported by law.( 1 July 1983, Globe and
Mail Hollobon 5; 26 July 1983, Globe and Mail 6 Editorial)
7 July 1983
Michael Lynch writes a letter to the Toronto Star criticizing Larry Gross-
man for omitting from the Ontario Advisory Committee any represen-
tation of the population most directly affected from AIDS—gay men. (7
July 1983, Globe and Mail 7)
18 July 1983
Article explores how new areas of law have been charted as gay men
have had to use the courts to hold on to their jobs in response to AIDS
discrimination. (18 July 1983, Toronto Star A8)
19 July 1983
At a press conference at the Toronto City Hall, the formation of the AIDS
Committee of Toronto (ACT) is announced. Bill Mindell (Toronto’s Pub-
lic Health Department), Roslyn Herst (Canadian Red Cross), Peter Evans
(first public Canadian with AIDS), and members of ACT are present.
The initial funding of $62,400 will come from the Canada-Ontario
employment. ACT has already raised $8000 of the $9290 that they must
raise under the employment program. Three full-time employees will
carry out a community education project. There are seven known AIDS
cases in Toronto. (20 July 1983, Globe and Mail Hollobon 4; 20 July 1983,
Toronto Star A6; 25 July 1983, Toronto Star Louttit C18; 21-27 July 1982,
Now, Nick Sheehan; July/August 1983, Body Politic 12; September 1983,
Body Politic 15, 19)
At the ACT press conference, Dr. Rosalyn Herst, director at the Toronto
Centre Red Cross, ignites a controversy by stating that it is now unoffi-
cial Red Cross policy to discourage all gay men, Haitians and drug users
from donating blood. (20 July 1983, Toronto Star A6; 20 July 1983, Toronto
Sun Lukasewich 4, 8; 25 July 1983, Toronto Star Louttit C18)
Also at the City Hall press conference University of Toronto researcher
Colin Soskolne says that he will need $1.7 million to conduct a four-year
study of hemophiliacs and gay men, which will investigate why some
people and not others progress quickly to AIDS. (20 July 1983, Globe and
Mail Hollobon 4; 26 July 1083, Globe and Mail 6 Editorial; 25 July 1983,
Toronto Star Louttit C18)
At another press conference, newly appointed Ontario Health Minister
Keith Norton announces $500,000 for AIDS research. Of this, $100,000 is
earmarked for Colin Soskolne’s research (see above). (20 July 1983,
Toronto Sun Lukasewich 4, 8; September 1983, Body Politic, 15, 19; 20 July
1983 Globe and Mail Hollobon 4; 25 July 1983, Toronto Star Louttit C18)
20 July 1983
ACT meets with the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service and the
Toronto Public Health Department to clarify the policy on who may
donate blood. (21 July 1983, Globe and Mail 4)
22 July 1983
The Red Cross disavows Rosalyn Herst’s statement that all gay men
should avoid donating blood (see July 19), and clarifies that only those
homosexuals and bisexuals with multiple partners or with sexual part-
ners who may have been exposed to AIDS are being asked to refrain
from donating blood. (23 July 1983, Globe and Mail S8)
July 26, 1983
An Ontario AIDS hotline is being set up for doctors needing information
and support concerning AIDS. (26 July 1983, Globe and Mail 6 Editorial)
9 August 1983
Researcher Colin Soskolne accuses Monique Begin, federal Health Min-
ister, of procrastinating on AIDS. He says Canada is two years behind the
United States in identifying AIDS cases. (10 August 1983, Toronto Sun 5)
10 August 1983
Officials announce that a male nurse who worked at a hospital in Hamil-
ton who died of AIDS posed no threat to safety. Thirteen AIDS cases in
Toronto. (10 August 1983, Toronto Star Tesher A1, A4)
AIDS cases are doubling every six months. There are 33 reported cases of
AIDS in Canada. (10 August 1983, Globe and Mail 14)
15 August 1983
Federal Health Minister Monique Begin announces the creation of the
National Advisory Committee on AIDS. University of Toronto researcher
Colin Soskolne is one of eleven medical experts on the committee. This
body replaces the Ad Hoc Task Force on AIDS. (16 August 1983, Toronto
Sun 15; 16 August 1983, Globe and Mail Montgomery 8)
320 MARK L. ROBERTSON
16 August 1983
ACT says Canada needs a major educational program to correct misin-
formation on AIDS. (17 August 1983, Toronto Sun 16)
26 August 1983
Executive Vice-President of Chedoke-McMaster Hospital in Hamilton,
R. C. Walker, writes an angry letter to the Toronto Star in response to an
article about a male nurse who died of AIDS (see August 10). Walker is
upset that the newspaper published the man’s name, and implied that
AIDS might be transmissible through the air. (26 August 1983, Toronto Star
Walker A16)
The Toronto Star publishes an article highlighting the gay community’s
response to AIDS, discussing fundraising initiatives, education and the
impact of AIDS on the gay community. (26 August 1983, Toronto Star
Tesher A17)
31 August 1983
A newborn given a blood transfusion for a common ailment dies of
AIDS in Quebec. Dr. Lapointe, a pediatric immunologist at Sainte-Justine
Hospital in Montreal, asks the Red Cross to track down the five donors
whose blood was used. (1 September 1983, Toronto Star A15)
September 1983
City of Toronto Department of Public Health poster “Are you playing
the numbers game?” advises gay men to use condoms and reduce num-
ber of sexual partners.
1 September 1983
Bill Mole announces his intention to complete a fundraising walk from
Montreal to Toronto to raise money for AIDS. (1 September 1983, Toronto
Sun 30)
9 September 1983
Research suggests heterosexuals are also at risk for AIDS after an IV
drug user infects his wife through sexual intercourse. (9 September 1983,
Toronto Sun 76)
14 September 1983
Councillor Tony O’Donohue, a member of the Toronto’s health board,
recommends that Sandy Macpherson, the Medical Officer of Health,
report on the disposal of all diseased blood samples and tissue. O’Dono-
hue worries that AIDS may be transmitted from the hospital into the
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 321
322 MARK L. ROBERTSON
water/sewer system. He also suggests that standards for waste disposal
for funeral homes be revised (they were created in 1899). Dr. Colin
Soskolne refutes O’Donohue’s concerns and accuses him of encouraging
AIDS hysteria. Toronto’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Richard
Fralick, says that contaminated blood is put in containers and inciner-
ated. (14 September 1983, Toronto Sun OpEd 24; 14 September 1983, Globe
and Mail 5; 15 September 1983, Toronto Sun 44; 21 September 1983, Toronto
Star D22)
1 October 1983
Bill Mole holds a walkathon from Toronto to Montreal to raise money for
AIDS. (November 1983, Body Politic 14)
9 November 1983
The Ontario Advisory Committee on AIDS removes “Haitians” from a list
of high-risk groups. (December 1983, Body Politic 8)
December 1983
Rick Bebout publishes a long article in Body Politic summarizing and
analyzing the safe sex advice being offered to gay men. He tentatively
offers a set of safe sex guidelines. (December 1983, Body Politic 33-37)
3 December 1983
The Canadian Medical Association Journal states that doctors have an
ethical responsibility to treat AIDS patients. (3 December 1983, Toronto
Star A18)
7 January 1984
Peter Evans, a gay Toronto man who spoke out to the media about the
realities of living with AIDS, dies at the age of 28. He was diagnosed in
December 1982. (10 January 1984, Toronto Star A9)
12 January 1984
Only one new AIDS case has been reported since December 1983. Some
speculate the disease may be levelling off. (12 January 1984, Toronto Sun 33)
17 January 1984
Dr. Noel Buskard of the Vancouver Red Cross Society says there is no
evidence in Canada to link blood transfusions with AIDS. (17 January
1984, Globe and Mail 2)
3 February 1984
Federal Health Minister Monique Begin announces $1.5 million for AIDS
research and education initiatives. Immediately, $290,000 will be given by
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 323
the Treasury Board with $400,000 to follow over the next three years.
Through doctors’ offices 250,000 copies of a fact sheet on AIDS will be
distributed to the public. (4 February 1984, Toronto Star A3; 4 February
1984, Globe and Mail Kelly 19)
March 1984
Michael Riordan releases his educational video “AIDS: After the Fear.”
The video discusses the social context of AIDS, and compares AIDS hys-
teria to panic during cholera epidemics in the past. (April 1984, Body
Politic 13-14)
April 1984
University of Toronto’s Dr. Colin Soskolne receives $1.3 million from
Ontario government for his study to monitor the health of 400 gay and
bisexual men. (April 1984, Body Politic 13-14)
1 April 1984
Canadian actor Bill Kendall dies of AIDS. (6 April 1986, Toronto Sun 100)
9 April 1984
In San Francisco, Commissioner of Public Health, Mervyn Silverman,
announces that he will be seeking an ordinance to close bathhouses and
ban “all sexual activity between individuals...in public facilities in San
Francisco where the transmission of AIDS is likely to occur.” (May 1984,
Body Politic 15)
23 April 1984
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Margaret Heckler, reports
the discovery of HTLV-III, the virus causing AIDS. She also announces
plans for the development of a test for infection. (26 April 1984, Globe and
Mail M6; July/August 1984, Body Politic 23)
7 May 1984
Bryan Williams, a microbiologist of infectious diseases at Toronto’s Hos-
pital for Sick Children, is given $42,732 by the Ontario Ministry of Health
to develop a rapid test to measure an enzyme found at elevated levels in
the blood of AIDS patients. (8 May 1984, Toronto Star A6)
Dr. Alastair Clayton from the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control in
Ottawa says it is wishful thinking to believe an AIDS vaccine might be
developed in the next two to three years. (8 May 1984, Globe and Mail M2)
Preliminary findings of a Gallup poll commissioned by the Canadian
government reveal that 83% are aware of AIDS, and 59% believe their
chance of getting AIDS is small. (8 May 1984, Globe and Mail M2)
324 MARK L. ROBERTSON
19 May 1984
A public health brochure entitled “AIDS in Canada—What you should
know” is back on supermarket display racks. Federal Health Minister
Monique Begin withdrew the brochure two weeks previously, because it
upset the Haitian community. The publication cost $35,000, and was dis-
tributed to 830 supermarkets and health professionals across the country
in an effort to reach the general public. (19 May 1984, Globe and Mail
Mackenzie 11)
4-10 June 1984
The AIDS Committee of Toronto organizes the first AIDS Awareness
Week. ACT holds panel discussions, benefits, and press conferences. The
events are poorly attended. (5 June 1984, Toronto Star Darroch C11;
July/August 1984, Body Politic 13)
29 June 1984
Dr. Norman Lapointe of the University of Montreal studies 12 families
with AIDS babies and finds that most parents of these children also have
AIDS, indicating that the AIDS virus can be transmitted during preg-
nancy. He announces his findings at the annual meeting of the Canadian
Pediatric Society held in Toronto at the Westin Hotel. (29 June 1984,
Toronto Star Dunlop C4)
Summer 1984
With its funding due to run out at the end of June, the AIDS Committee
of Toronto secures $30,000 from the Ontario government. MPP Susan
Fish is instrumental in obtaining the funding. (4 July 1984, Toronto Star
A6; September 1984, Body Politic 11-12)
8 August 1984
The first blood test for the AIDS virus is available in Canada, but it is
unclear who will be tested and what the results will mean for people. Ini-
tially only 20,000 tests are available. (8 August 1984, Globe and Mail
MacKenzie M6)
8 September 1984) 
Mayor Art Eggleton speaks out against discrimination in Toronto against
Haitians who are perceived to have AIDS. (8 September 1984, Globe and
Mail Hickl-Szabo L11; 2 October 1984, Globe and Mail Orr 7)
1 October 1984
The first inquest in Canada into an AIDS death begins in New West-
minster, BC. The inquest examines the death of hemophiliac Artibano
Milito. (30 September 1984, The Province [BC] Horwood) 
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 325
10 October 1984
After San Francisco authorities order 14 bathhouses to close, Kevin Orr
responds on behalf of the AIDS Committee of Toronto saying that clos-
ing bathhouses makes AIDS education even more difficult by driving sex
underground. (10 October 1984, Globe and Mail 14)
13 November 1984
The number of cases reported in Canada is 147. These statistics seem to
indicate that the epidemic is two years behind the US. The total number
of reported cases of AIDS in the City of Toronto is 22. (26 November
1984, Globe and Mail Hollobon M9)
15 December 1984
Federally funded research shows that Haitians are no more or less sus-
ceptible to AIDS than the general population. (15 December 1984, Mon-
treal Gazette Reguish)
24 December 1984
The Federal Health Protection Branch issues a directive to the Canadian
Red Cross to pasteurize blood-clotting products for hemophiliacs. (24
December 1984, Globe and Mail Hollobon) 
29 January 1985
An article in the Toronto Sun describes the impact of AIDS on Toronto’s
gay community. John Bodis is profiled as well as a staff member at the
AIDS Committee of Toronto diagnosed with Persistent Lymphodenopa-
thy Syndrome (PLS). (29 January 1985, Toronto Sun Sonmor 31)
2 March 1985
An HIV antibody test is approved in the United States. Dr. Roger Per-
rault, national director of the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service,
announces the Red Cross will not use the test until further studies about
its efficacy are conducted in Canada. (3 March 1985, Toronto Star A20)
29-30 March 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto hosts a weekend public forum at the
University of Toronto. Jim Black, health professionals, and members of
ACT provide information about AIDS to defuse public panic. (1 April
1985, Globe and Mail 15)
15 April 1985
The Canadian Red Cross announces they will begin testing blood dona-
tions for HIV in the coming summer. (15 April 1985, Toronto Star A1; 16
April 1985, Globe and Mail M2)
Health officials begin to solicit blood donations from university students
and 200 prostitutes to see if AIDS is spreading to heterosexuals. The federal
government published 500,000 pamphlets about AIDS and they will be
included in envelopes of coupons to be distributed to students in book-
stores. (15 April 1985, Toronto Star A1; 15 April 1985, Globe and Mail 1,2)
9 May 1985
Canadian Red Cross confirms AIDS has been found in the blood banks,
and tries to trace the tainted blood that infected two elderly transfusion
recipients from Vancouver who died of AIDS the previous week. By
August, all blood should be tested for HTLV-III. (10 May 1985, Globe and
Mail Bowen M1, M3; 11 May 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A1, 12)
10-12 May 1985
“Tout ensemble / All Together,” the first national AIDS conference is
sponsored by the National Advisory Committee on AIDS at l’Univer-
sité du Québec à Montréal. The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) (an
umbrella organization of community-based AIDS organizations) is con-
ceived at this conference. (May 1985, Body Politic 17; July 1985, Body Politic
[long article] 13)
12 May 1985
The Toronto Star erroneously reports that a blood transfusion in Toronto
resulted in a death from AIDS. (12 May 1985, Toronto Star Turner A1; 13
May 1985, Toronto Star Turner A2)
Dr. Alastair Clayton of the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control (LCDC)
estimates that 800 Canadians will have AIDS by 1987. (12 May 1985,
Toronto Star Newbery A14)
15 May 1985
The World Health Organization announces that there are 11,000 cases of
AIDS worldwide. In Canada 222 cases of AIDS have been reported. (15
May 1985, Toronto Star A3; 17 May 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A17)
Dr. Alastair Clayton (LCDC) says blood donors and others must be
informed if they test positive for antibodies to the virus during routine
screening. This is not yet current practice. The National Advisory Com-
mittee on AIDS sets up a task force to provide information to people
who test positive for AIDS antibodies and to provide guidelines for doc-
tors. (16 May 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A11)
326 MARK L. ROBERTSON
16 May 1985
The Laboratory Centre for Disease Control announces that it will begin
monitoring blood samples of health care workers exposed to blood of
people known to have AIDS. (17 May 1985, Globe and Mail Lipovenko
M3; 12 September 1985, Globe and Mail 21)
17 May 1985
Dr. Alastair Clayton of the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control says
80% of Canadian hemophiliacs who have swollen lymph nodes have
tested positive for AIDS antibodies. The significance of the presence of
antibodies remains unclear. Three of Canada’s 1500 hemophiliacs are
known to have AIDS. (17 May 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A17)
The AIDS Committee of Toronto is turned down in its bid for a grant of
more than a quarter million dollars from Metro Toronto because health
services are deemed to be outside the mandate of Metro Community
Services and Housing Committee. (17 May 1985, Globe and Mail Fine M3)
5 June 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto pamphlet, “It’s Raining Men, Do You
Have Your Rubbers On?” comes under scrutiny for use of profanity.
Mayor Art Eggleton and Ontario Environment Minister Susan Fish
defend ACT at a press conference held to promote AIDS Awareness
Week (June 10-16 1985) (6 June 1985, Toronto Sun Crittenden 19)
Metro Toronto hospitals receive dozens of calls from people wishing to
donate their own blood to family members facing surgery. The panic
stems from the news from the previous month that two people have
developed AIDS as a result of a blood transfusion (May 9, 1985). (6 June
1985, Toronto Sun Chapman 42)
10 -16 June 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto hosts the second annual AIDS Aware-
ness Week in Toronto. Eggleton proclaims AIDS Awareness Week. (31
May 1985, Toronto Sun Parent 64; 4 June 1985, Toronto Star Newbery H1,
H4; June 1985, Body Politic 18-19)
10 June 1985
At a news conference, Dr. Alastair Clayton of the LCDC reports that 13
women and 17 children have AIDS in Canada. (11 June 1985, Globe and
Mail Hickl-Szabo M5)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 327
14 June 1985
Metro council considers a $40,000 grant to the AIDS Committee of
Toronto. (14 June 1985, Toronto Sun Konecny 58)
19 June 1985
Metro Toronto Council awards the AIDS Committee of Toronto a grant of
$40,000. (August 1985, Body Politic 15-16)
The University of Toronto researcher Colin Soskolne releases a study
reporting that 66% of 109 gay and bisexual men who had sexual contact
with someone with AIDS have contracted the virus causing AIDS. (19
June 1985, Globe and Mail Hickl-Szabo A1, A2; 20 June 1985, Toronto Sun
27; 9 July 1985, Medical Post Murray)
2 July 1985
The Canadian Red Cross announces a national blood-screening pro-
gram, which includes a screening questionnaire, testing protocol and
notification of positive test results. A heating procedure is now use to kill
the virus in blood products. (2 July 1985, Toronto Sun 8; 2 July 1985, Globe
and Mail Kelly)
8 July 1985
The Laboratory Centre for Disease control announces the addition of a
new group to the list of groups deemed to be at a high risk for AIDS.
Heterosexual partners of people in a high-risk category (e.g., partners of
hemophiliacs, female prostitutes exposed to bisexual men, etc.) are now
also considered to be in this category. (9 July 1985, Globe and Mail
Lipovenko 14)
14 July 1985
The Toronto Star publishes an article that raises the alarm about AIDS by
suggesting that we are on the cusp of a national plague since AIDS has
spread to the “general population.” (14 July 1985, Toronto Star Greene D7)
18 July 1985
The Laboratory Centre for Disease Control estimates that a third of the
people with AIDS in Canada are unreported. Consequently there may be
70 additional cases in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Half of the
cases that have been reported have died. (18 July 1985, Globe and Mail
Hickl-Szabo M1, M4; 18 July 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A3; 19 July 1985,
Toronto Star Flagella A2)
328 MARK L. ROBERTSON
23 July 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto withdraws a promotional poster for
their film “No Sad Songs” because it depicts a man with AIDS, Jim Black,
wearing a t-shirt with the slogan “Choose Life.” ACT is concerned that
the slogan will be interpreted as being in support of a pro-life position on
abortion. (23 July 1985, Toronto Star Werner E1, E3)
24 July 1985
Rock Hudson is reported to be seriously ill. He is rumoured to have
AIDS. (24 July 1985, Globe and Mail A1, A2)
25 July 1985
Dr. John Derrick, AIDS Project Director of the Red Cross, and Dr. Alastair
Clayton, from the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control call for the
testing of all blood and blood products, organs, tissue and sperm dona-
tions. In Canada 274 cases of AIDS have been reported; 134 people have
died. (26 July 1985, Toronto Star Bird A11)
26 July 1985 
Rock Hudson is confirmed to have AIDS. (26 July 1985, Globe and Mail
Ganley E5; 26 July 1985, Toronto Star A11)
Fifteen Canadian women are reported to have been impregnated with
untested sperm from an American clinic that used homosexual donors.
(26 July 1985, Globe and Mail 15; 28 July 1985, Toronto Star Ferguson A1, A18;
29 July 1985, Globe and Mail 4; 29 July 1985, Toronto Star Ferguson A1, A4)
The Globe and Mail publishes an article about the way AIDS is affecting
gay culture and sexuality. (26 July 1985, Globe and Mail Hickl-Szabo 13, 15)
30 July 1985
The testing of sperm donors is to begin in Ontario by September 1985.
(30 July 1985, Toronto Sun Comeau 18)
August 1985
Gerald Hannon profiles Jim Black, the subject of the ACT film “No Sad
Songs.” (August 1985, Body Politic 27-29)
The AIDS Committee of Toronto receives 250 calls this month, three
times the number received in February. This increase in concern is likely
due to the high profile revelations about Rock Hudson. (14 September
1985, Toronto Star Orwen A1, A12)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 329
330 MARK L. ROBERTSON
1 August 1985
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston announces that the province
will begin antibody testing once a $200,000 lab is set up in Etobicoke. The
Ontario Ministry of Health will also give the Red Cross $1 million for
blood screening. (1 August 1985, Toronto Star Harrington A1; 2 August
1985, Toronto Sun Parent 30; 2 August 1985, Toronto Star A3; 2 August 1985,
Globe and Mail Kelly A1, A2; 3 August 1985, Toronto Star Dunlop A15)
4 August 1985
A Toronto Star editorial supports increased AIDS funding, including
provincial support for the AIDS Committee of Toronto, more federal
leadership in monitoring the disease, creation of an information clear-
inghouse, and funding for education and research. (4 August 1985,
Toronto Star Editorial F2)
17 August 1985
The Globe and Mail publishes an editorial declaring the need for more
AIDS education and information. (17 August 1985, Globe and Mail Editorial 6)
18 August 1985
La Cage aux Folles artists stage a benefit for the AIDS Committee of
Toronto called Caring On with La Cage aux Folles Company. (23 July
1985, Toronto Star Hume E1)
3 September 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto film “No Sad Songs” premieres.
9 September 1985
In Queens, New York 12,000 students failed to report to first day of
school on 9 September because of report of child with AIDS. (11 Sep-
tember 1985, Globe and Mail Polanyi 15, 19; 13 September 1985, Toronto
Sun Chapman 2)
10 September 1985
Events in New York City schools (see above) trigger hysteria among
Toronto parents despite the face that there are no reported cases of AIDS
in Ontario schools. The Toronto Health Department states that children
with AIDS should not be barred from schools. The Toronto Board of
Education considers creating a policy on AIDS. (11 September 1985, Globe
and Mail Polanyi 15, 19; 13 September 1985, Toronto Sun Chapman 2; 13
September 1985, Toronto Sun Editorial 10)
Phil Shaw from the AIDS Committee of Toronto criticizes the federal
government for refusing to admit that homosexual activity occurs in
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 331
prison. (10 September 1985, Globe and Mail Makin 16; 11 September 1985,
Toronto Star A10; 14 September 1985, Toronto Star Orwen A1, A12)
The ACT sponsored film “No Sad Songs” directed by Nick Sheehan pre-
mieres at the Festival of Festivals. The film profiles a man with AIDS, Jim
Black, and documents the gay community’s response to AIDS. (3 Sep-
tember 1985, Toronto Sun Anthony 53; 5 September 1985, Globe and Mail
Plews S4; 23 July 1985, Toronto Star Werner E1, E3; 3 August 1985, Toronto
Star Westrop L1, 23 September 1985, Toronto Sun Anthony 49; 16 October
1985, Toronto Star Hume F3)
11 September 1985
Dr. Rick Mathias, a member of the National Advisory Committee on
AIDS, recommends that heterosexuals begin using condoms for casual
sexual encounters, after an Inuit man in Montreal infects a woman. (12
September 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A3; 14 September 1985, Toronto
Star Orwen A1, A12; 18 October 1985, Globe and Mail A9)
Solicitor General Perrin Beatty responds to concerns raised by Phil Shaw
of ACT that AIDS may become prevalent in prisons, by requesting rec-
ommendations from his department officials. (11 September 1985, Globe
and Mail 19)
14 September 1985
A study by Dr. Anne Quinn from the Laboratory Centre for Disease
Control estimates the cost of caring for a person with AIDS is $37,000-
$42,000. Of 44 cases studied, she found the average hospital stay for the
course of the illness was 75 days. (14 September 1985, Globe and Mail Sil-
versides 17)
18 September 1985
Anne Johnson, the Chair of Toronto Board of Health, proposes a bylaw
banning discrimination against people with AIDS. Mayor Art Eggleton
and Jack Layton support the proposal. The proposed bylaw is based on
an ordinance approved by the Los Angeles City Council in August 1985.
(17 September 1985, Globe and Mail York 17, 19; 18 September 1985,
Toronto Sun Bennett and Pazzano 32; 18 September 1985, Toronto Sun
Welch 34; 19 September 1985, Toronto Sun Mandel 58; 23 September 1985,
Globe and Mail editorial 6; 1 October 1985, Toronto Star Emmerson and
Pigg A22)
Columnist Frank Jones writes an article responding to and refuting
claims made by Rev. Sterling Clark that AIDS is the wrath of God. (18
September 1985, Toronto Star Jones A23)
19 September 1985
During a press conference, the Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston
states that children with AIDS present no danger to other children in
schools. (27 September 1985, Toronto Sun Pazzano 3)
Week of 21 September 1985
In an issue of the Canada Diseases Weekly Report, Beverly Campbell
offers tips for caring for AIDS patients, calming fears that AIDS might be
transmitted through casual non-sexual contact (21 September 1985,
Toronto Star Newbery A3)
21 September 1985
Globe and Mail columnist Michele Landsberg defends parents in New
York City who protest the presence of children with AIDS in public
schools. Landsberg cites the opinions of several isolated physicians and sci-
entists as justification for the public’s fear. Later activist Michael Lynch
responds in a letter to the editor. (21 September 1985, Globe and Mail Lands-
berg A2; 7 October 1985, Globe and Mail Lynch [letter in response] A6)
22 September 1985
The Laboratory Center for Disease Control announces a study of occu-
pational exposure among hospital employees in over 187 hospitals across
Canada. (22 September 1985, Toronto Star Steeves F8)
The Ontario Science Centre sponsors a public forum on AIDS as part of
its “Behind the Headlines” series. The panel consisted of Dr. Alastair
Clayton (LCDC), Thomas Alloway (Chair of ACT), Norbert Gilmore
(Chair of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS), and John Derrick
(Canadian Red Cross). At the public AIDS forum at the Ontario Science
Centre, Thomas Alloway, Chair of ACT, announces that a Toronto group
is planning to establish a hospice in Toronto for people with AIDS.
Alloway cannot provide details. (23 September 1985, Globe and Mail Win-
trob 17; 23 September 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A2)
24 September 1985
The Ontario Public Health Association sponsors a public symposium on
AIDS in its Toronto office. The panel includes a public health official, an
epidemiologist, doctors and representatives of various organizations,
such as the AIDS Committee of Toronto and the Canadian Red Cross. (25
September 1985, Globe and Mail Tedesco 14; 25 September 1985, Toronto
Star Harvey A2)
332 MARK L. ROBERTSON
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 333
25 September 1985
Provincial and territorial health ministers meet in Toronto to discuss
health policy issues. Much of the discussion focuses on coordinating
AIDS policies across the country, such as disease reporting and patient
confidentiality. (26 September 1985, Globe and Mail McQuaig 4)
Ontario Minister of Health, Murray Elston, estimates that AIDS cases
are doubling every 7 1/2 months in Ontario. (26 September 1985, Globe
and Mail McQuaig 4; 28 September 1985, Globe and Mail Rosenfeld 17; 30
September 1985, Globe and Mail Strauss 12)
27 September 1985
At a national meeting in Toronto of provincial and territorial health min-
isters, Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston announces $300,000 in
funding for AIDS education and support projects. To establish the
Ontario AIDS Public Education Advisory Panel, $200,000 will be used,
which will identify the educational needs of the public, and to develop
information for doctors and health workers. The other $100,000 has been
earmarked for the AIDS Committee of Toronto (less than half the
requested funds). The panel will include representatives from the AIDS
Committee of Toronto, the City of Toronto, the Ryerson School of Jour-
nalism, the Ontario Public Health Association, St. Elizabeth’s Order of
Visiting Nurses and the media. (28 September 1985, Globe and Mail Rosen-
feld 17; 28 September 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A1, A13; 29 September
1985, Toronto Sun 26; November 1985, Body Politic 25)
28 September 1985
Rev. Tim Foley starts an ecumenical group to organize chaplain serv-
ices for people with AIDS. (28 September 1985, Toronto Star Foley L14)
28, 29 September 1985
The Canadian Bar Association passes a resolution to examine the legal
rights and duties of people with AIDS in Canada. The Association is
divided on central issues such as quarantine. (1 October 1985, Toronto Star
Emmerson and Pigg A22; 1 October 1985, Globe and Mail Strauss A19)
Dr. Pindborg, speaking at the annual Canadian Dental Association meet-
ing in Toronto, announces that recognizing “hairy” leukoplakia, an oral
disease only found in AIDS patients, may enable dentists to diagnose
AIDS. (1 October 1985, Globe and Mail Hare A1, A2)
October 1985
Blood donations in Ontario drop 20% because of a fear of contracting
AIDS from donation, causing a severe blood shortage. (8 October 1985,
334 MARK L. ROBERTSON
Toronto Star Sutton A6; 8 October 1985, Globe and Mail Kelly A1, A2; 11
October 1985, Globe and Mail Kelly A1; 12 October 1985, Globe and Mail
Kelly A1, A2; 13 October 1985, Toronto Sun 21; 15 October 1985, Toronto
Sun Van Der Voort 24; 17 October 1985, Globe and Mail Strauss A20, A26)
2 October 1985
Rock Hudson dies, age 59, of AIDS. (3 October 1985, Toronto Sun Graf-
stein 11)
4 October 1985 
Health and Welfare Canada expresses a willingness to help people with
AIDS obtain experimental drugs not available in Canada on a case-by-
case basis. (4 October 1985, Toronto Sun 156)
5 October 1985
Liberal Health Critic Douglas Frith asks the Commons Committee on
Health, Welfare and Social Affairs to hold a series of public hearings on
AIDS this fall and winter to clear up misinformation on AIDS. (5 October
1985, Globe and Mail A4)
7 October 1985
A study shows that health care workers who look after AIDS patients are
at low risk for infection with the AIDS virus. Out of approximately 50
health workers that have been studied, only 15 have tested positive for
the AIDS antibody. (7 October 1985, Globe and Mail Strauss C6)
8 October 1985
Dr. Richard Fralick, an associate Toronto Medical Officer of Health, crit-
icizes the Red Cross’s inability to force those who test positive to seek
medical attention. Douglas Elliot of the AIDS Committee of Toronto says
that because the AIDS test is inconclusive, no one should be compelled
to do anything. (8 October 1985, Globe and Mail Holland A20)
10 October 1985
Toronto solicitor, William Callow, states that a bylaw protecting people
with AIDS from discrimination is unnecessary because the Ontario
Human Rights Code already provides this protection. (10 October 1985,
Globe and Mail A28)
John Burgess, a man who claims to be celibate, is criticized by the Cana-
dian Hemophiliac Society for placing a classified ad in NOW Magazine
advertising the sale of his “AIDS-free” blood. The Globe and Mail claims
to have rejected the advertisement. (10 October 1985, Toronto Sun
Bohuslavsky 27; 30 October 1985, Globe and Mail Taylor A18)
13 October 1985
Claire Hoy, a columnist with the Toronto Sun, writes an article advocating
quarantine for people with AIDS. (13 October 1985, Toronto Sun Hoy 16)
15 October 1985
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Alexander Macpherson, calls on the
Canadian Red Cross to report cases of AIDS to the City’s Department of
Health. (16 October 1985, Globe and Mail Bowen A15; 16 October 1985,
Toronto Sun Bennett 27; 16 October 1985, Toronto Star Pigg and Monse-
braaten A2)
16 October 1985
The Canadian Red Cross rejects the idea of reporting cases of AIDS to the
City’s Department of Health. (16 October 1985, Toronto Star A2; 17 Octo-
ber 1987, Globe and Mail Downey A20, A26)
The Canadian Red Cross expands their screening questionnaire to
include questions about swollen glands and other AIDS symptoms. They
will also begin handing out pamphlets on AIDS at their blood donor
clinics in Toronto. (16 October 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A21)
Toronto Sun columnist, Greg Parent, argues in favour of the quarantine
and isolation of people with AIDS. (16 October 1985, Toronto Sun Parent 38)
It is revealed that an Ottawa man contracted AIDS through a blood
transfusion. The Red Cross has launched a record search for infected
donations. The Red Cross claims that the Canadian blood supply is
almost completely free of AIDS. The Red Cross begins to see a return to
normal blood donation levels as a result of an information campaign
reassures potential donors them that they cannot contract AIDS from
giving blood. (16 October 1985, Toronto Sun 36; 16 October 1985, Globe and
Mail A1)
17 October 1985
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston announces new screening pro-
cedures for blood donations. These new procedures include the use of
the ELISA blood test. Results of positive tests will be shared with the
donor, but kept confidential. The new procedures are to go into effect
November 1 1985, six months after the adoption of similar precautions in
the United States. (15 October 1985, Globe and Mail A9; 17 October 1985,
Toronto Sun Smee 4; 18 October 1985, Toronto Sun 42)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 335
19 October 1985
A Toronto Star article reports that the AIDS Committee of Toronto dis-
courages people from taking the “AIDS test.” ACT’s Phil Shaw argues
that the test indicates exposure, but does not necessarily mean AIDS
will develop. A positive result may be unnecessarily alarming because it
is ambiguous. (19 October 1985, Toronto Star Pigg A16; 23 October 1985,
Toronto Sun Parent 45; 19 December 1985, Toronto Star Seiden B3)
21 October 1985
A Gallup poll reveals the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Canadians
concerning AIDS. Ninety-four percent of Canadians know about AIDS;
64% of Canadians are “greatly concerned” about AIDS; 62% of Canadi-
ans think that homosexuals are at the greatest risk for AIDS; and, 51%
said that AIDS was spread through sexual contact. (21 October 1985,
Toronto Star A3, A5)
23 October 1985
At a news conference, Thomas Alloway, Chair of the AIDS Committee of
Toronto, responds to new provincial regulations requiring reporting of
positive tests and AIDS cases. Alloway expresses concerns about the
confidentiality and use of this information. He argues that many affected
are unwilling to get tested for fear of being reported; reporting may fur-
ther discourage people from testing. Alloway fears that quarantine may
be the next step. Richard Fralick, associate Medical Officer of Health for
Toronto is “astounded” at this last statement. (24 October 1985, Toronto
Sun Bohnslawsky 59; 24 October 1985, Globe and Mail Kelly A26; 24 Octo-
ber 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A11; 28 October 1985, Toronto Star Lipton
D5; 30 October 1985, Toronto Star F14)
24 October 1985
Norman Bergeron, a guidance counsellor from Jarvis Collegiate and
Gabrielle Roy public schools is discovered to have died of AIDS. This
report results in calls for quarantine by parents and for complete disclo-
sure of all AIDS cases in public schools. (24 October 1985, Globe and Mail
Polanyi A1; 24 October 1985, Toronto Sun Lounder and Chapman 5; 24
October 1985, Toronto Star A3; 25 October 1985, Globe and Mail Matas
A19; 25 October 1985, Toronto Star Welner and Ferguson A18; 29 October
1985, Toronto Sun Chapman 24; 30 October 1985, Toronto Sun Parent 38)
25 October 1985
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston says that regional Medical Offi-
cers of Health reserve the right to ban teachers or students with AIDS
from schools. (25 October 1985, Toronto Sun Lounder 19)
336 MARK L. ROBERTSON
29 October 1985
Dennis Finlay, spokesperson for Correctional Service of Canada, says
that Canada’s first two prisoners with AIDS are being dealt with
“calmly,” but worries that without AIDS education in prisons, the situa-
tion may deteriorate. Condoms are not available to prisoners. (30 Octo-
ber 1985, Globe and Mail A14)
31 October 1985
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston recalls laboratory requisition
forms for the AIDS antibody test, which require doctors to provide
patients full name and risk group. Elston suggests that requisitions will
be made anonymous by the use of codes instead of names. (1 November
1985, Globe and Mail Silversides A1, A2; 2 November 1985, Toronto Star
Monsebraaten A11; December 1985, Body Politic 15, 17)
November 1985
Manufacturer’s Life Insurance Co. begins to screen prospective clients by
using the AIDS antibody test. Activists decry this practice and fear that
insurance companies will request access to private medical records. (25
November 1985, Globe and Mail Silversides A1, A15)
1 November 1985
The Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston angers critics by suggesting
that Medical Officers of Health are entitled to the names of people who
test positive for antibodies to the AIDS virus. Elston also requests doctors
no longer identify “risk group” of patient being tested. (2 November
1985, Globe and Mail Silversides A18; 2 November 1985, Toronto Star Mon-
sebraaten A11)
The Canadian Red Cross begins a national blood-screening program,
which will test all donated blood for antibodies to the AIDS virus. Posi-
tive tests will be referred to the donor’s doctor and will be confidential.
(7 September 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A1, A6; 18 October 1985, Toronto
Star Walker A8; 3 November 1985, Toronto Star A2; 4 November 1985,
Globe and Mail A17; 4 November 1985, Toronto Sun 8; 5 November 1985,
Toronto Star D25)
4 November 1985
The Canadian Red Cross urges the provinces to create a national system
for reporting positive antibody test results to public health officials. (5
November 1985, Globe and Mail Silversides A17)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 337
5 November 1985
The Canadian Red Cross has discovered traces of antibodies to the AIDS
virus in the blood supply. (5 November 1985, Toronto Sun 8)
The federal government considers screening immigrants for AIDS. (5
November 1985, Globe and Mail Strauss A17)
8 November 1985 
Merle Lee Vandine, a Toronto man arrested for fraud and theft is kept in
total isolation in the medical wing of the Metro West Detention Centre
because he has AIDS. He will not be sentenced until November 18. (8
November 1985, Toronto Star Oakes C17; 19 November 1985, Toronto Star
Oakes A2)
11 November 1985
CTV airs the movie “An Early Frost” about a gay man who comes out to
his family as gay and as having AIDS. (11 November 1985, Globe and
Mail Groen C11; 11 November 1985, Toronto Star Bawden D1)
Due to a fear of AIDS, Emergency Services personnel in several Ontario
communities are using plastic masks for use during resuscitation.
Toronto’s fire department encourages their workers to use the masks
for all resuscitations. In Canada 369 cases of AIDS have now been
reported. (11 November 1985, Globe and Mail Tedesco A15)
15 November 1985
David Roche’s Toronto-made documentary about living with AIDS “No
Sad Songs” opens at the Carlton Cinemas. (7 November 1985, Toronto Star
B1; 22 November 1985, Toronto Sun Kirkland 99)
18 November 1985
Globe and Mail columnist Caitlin Kelly criticizes the government for
relying on the media to disseminate information about AIDS, and notes
that while Canadians have basic medical knowledge of AIDS, they do
not understand prevention. She reports that Thomas Alloway, Chair of
ACT, gives safe sex information in every interview he does, but that
information is edited out. Kelly advocates a more open, less prudish
approach to talking about AIDS and sex. (18 November 1985, Globe and
Mail Kelly A12)
19 November 1985
The Toronto Board of Education advises teachers and custodial staff to
wear latex gloves when cleaning up body fluids like blood or vomit. (19
338 MARK L. ROBERTSON
November 1985, Globe and Mail Polanyi A15, A20; 28 November 1985,
Toronto Star Ferri A17; 29 November 1985, Globe and Mail Polanyi A15, A20)
25 November 1985
McGill University law professor Ronald Sklar initiates a national debate
by arguing that the Criminal Code could be used to prosecute those
who spread AIDS or put others at risk by continuing to engage in sexual
activity. (26 November 1985, Globe and Mail A8; 26 November 1985,
Toronto Star A2)
In a letter the Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Borden
Purcell, suggests that AIDS should be defined as a “handicap” and peo-
ple with AIDS should be protected from discrimination.
27 November 1985
The AIDS Committee of Toronto, the Body Politic, the Canadian Civil
Liberties Association and the Right to Privacy Committee hold a press
conference to protest against blood screening by insurance companies.
Activists argue that the test is not specific enough to provide the basis for
denying insurance coverage. (25 November 1985, Globe and Mail Silver-
sides A1, A15; 27 November 1985, Toronto Star Daw E1, E2; 27 November
1985, Toronto Sun Parent 34; 28 November 1985, Toronto Sun Bennett 56;
28 November 1985, Globe and Mail Delacourt A27; 28 November 1985,
Toronto Star Smith A17)
The Right to Privacy Committee threatens to boycott Manufacturer’s
Life Insurance Co. and other insurance companies that require AIDS
antibody tests. (28 November 1985, Toronto Sun Bennett 56)
Dr. Luc Montagnier, the French scientist who discovered the virus that
transmits AIDS, addresses a meeting on infectious diseases in Toronto,
and argues that those who have antibodies to the virus also have the
virus itself. He says he is optimistic that a treatment for AIDS will be
found before AIDS is widely spread through the heterosexual popula-
tion. (28 November 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A1, A17)
28 November 1985
Doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children begin testing hemophiliacs for
AIDS. (28 November 1985, Toronto Star Newbery A17)
December 1985
An article in the Body Politic, “AIDS: Double Exposure” calls attention to
ethical issues raised by the ELISA antibody test. The article discusses
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 339
issues of anonymity, the meaning of the test, and the social uses of med-
ical information. (December 1985, Body Politic 15, 17)
3 December 1985
Edward Keyserlingk, a director of the Law Reform Commission of
Canada, warns that quarantine could hamper the care of people with
AIDS in hospitals. He calls for more education for the public and at
health care workers. (4 December 1985, Toronto Star Henton A12; 5
December 1985, Globe and Mail C11)
4 December 1985
At a public forum AIDS Committee of Toronto Chair Thomas Alloway
argues that patients with AIDS should be concentrated in as few hospi-
tals as possible to allow for specialized treatment. (5 December 1985,
Globe and Mail C13)
9 December 1985
At a closed-door meeting federal and provincial health officials agree to
ensure the confidentiality of AIDS antibody test results. Dr. Alastair Clay-
ton from the LCDC says that Ottawa will not require names to be
reported. (10 December 1985, Toronto Sun 8; 10 December 1985, Toronto
Star Newbery A17)
13 December 1985
Federal Minister of Health Jake Epp meets with scientists studying AIDS
and promises more money for research, but will not provide any details.
(14 December 1985, Globe and Mail McIntosh A5)
19 December 1985
The federal government and the provinces meet to discuss various
aspects of AIDS policy including the coordination of education and pre-
vention initiatives as well as AIDS reporting. (15 November 1985, Globe
and Mail A20)
28 December 1985
Dr. Alastair Clayton announces that the spread of AIDS is slower than
expected, with cases doubling every 11 months, rather than every six
months. (28 December 1985, Toronto Star A3)
In response to comments made by the Toronto Star ’s Bruce McLeod
(Toronto Star 3 December 1985, A15), January Nichols of the Ontario
Funeral Service Association writes a letter to the Toronto Star stating
that he knows of no funeral home in Ontario that refuses to deal with
340 MARK L. ROBERTSON
people who have died of AIDS. The Ontario Funeral Service Association
will be developing an official policy on AIDS. (28 December 1985, Toronto
Star B3; [McLeod responds 14 January 1986, Toronto Star A19])
January 1986
Activist Michael Lynch defends the importance of obscenity in AIDS edu-
cation in an article in the Body Politic. (January 1986, Body Politic 50-51)
8 January - 2 February 1986
“As Is,” William Hoffman’s play about AIDS runs at the Toronto Free
Theatre. (4 January 1986, Toronto Star Crew F2; 9 January 1986, Toronto
Star Crew H1; 10 January 1986, Toronto Sun Pennington 70; 11 January
1986, Globe and Mail Conlogue D3; February 1986, Body Politic 31)
9 January 1986
The Ontario Hospital Association meets to discuss legal, ethical, and
medical aspects of AIDS. (10 January 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A12; 10
January 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A2)
After two months screening blood donations, the Canadian Red Cross
reports only a 0.25% incidence of positive tests (45 of 182,324 donations).
(9 January 1986, Toronto Star A2; 10 January 1986, Globe and Mail Clark
A11; 10 January 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A2)
10 January 1986
Two fact sheets on AIDS are produced by the Ontario Public Education
Panel on AIDS, one for parents and teachers, and one for the general
public. Of these fact sheets 500,000 are being printed. (10 January 1986,
Globe and Mail A12)
21 January 1986
The AIDS Committee of Toronto holds a press conference to announce
plans for North America’s first AIDS hospice, later to be known as Casey
House. The hospice will hold ten beds and is projected to cost $750,000.
June Callwood is the Chair of the Hospice Steering Committee. (21 Jan-
uary 1986, Toronto Star Mercer A3; 22 January 1986, Toronto Star Mercer
A18; 22 January 1986, Globe and Mail Polanyi A13; 27 January 1986, Toronto
Star Newbery C1; March 1986, Body Politic 15)
30 January 1986
Two cases of AIDS are reported by the Canadian Forces. (30 January
1986, Toronto Star A11; 30 January 1986, Globe and Mail A10)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 341
11 February 1986
A Toronto Star article focuses on the AIDS Committee of Toronto’s AIDS
hotline. (11 February 1986, Toronto Star Fruman F1)
At a seminar on sexually transmitted diseases held at the Wellesley Hos-
pital, Dr. Walter Pruzanski says that predictions of an epidemic have
been overblown; Metro Toronto is seeing fewer cases of AIDS than
expected. (13 February 1986, Toronto Star Dunlop A15)
13 February 1986
Tracy Teremayne-Lloyd, a lawyer working on AIDS policy, tells a House
of Commons committee that the confidentiality of patient records may
need to be loosened to control the spread of AIDS. She believes a new
law requiring the reporting of AIDS cases is essential. (14 February 1986,
Globe and Mail Montgomery A3)
19 February 1986
Art for AIDS kicks off a campaign of fundraising concerts and shows
across Toronto to raise money for the planned AIDS hospice. (19 Febru-
ary 1986, Toronto Sun 33; 19 February 1986, Toronto Star Goddard E1, E5;
20 February 1986, Globe and Mail Allemang D6)
26 February 1986
The AIDS Committee of Toronto advises an Ontario legislative justice
committee that people with AIDS need legal protection against discrim-
ination. (27 February 1986, Globe and Mail A26; 27 February 1986, Toronto
Star Walker A22)
At a professional conference dentists are advised that refusing to treat a
patient they suspect of having AIDS is considered neglect. Dentists are
trained in using protective masks, gloves and goggles to prevent the
transmission of the AIDS virus and hepatitis B. (27 February 1986, Toronto
Star Taylor A22)
1 March 1986
New immigration guidelines take effect—allowing applications from
people who have tested positive for AIDS antibodies but are asympto-
matic. There will be no mandatory testing of applicants. (19 March 1986,
Toronto Star A3)
14 March 1986
An article published in The Lancet shows improvements in people with
AIDS taking the antiviral drug AZT. (14 March 1986, Globe and Mail A8)
342 MARK L. ROBERTSON
7 April 1986
A team of medical researchers from across Canada announces that they
will form their own fundraising team in the absence of adequate funds
from federal and provincial governments. They hope to establish a clinic
to research AIDS. (8 April 1986, Toronto Star A15)
7 April 1986
A spokesperson for the National AIDS Centre in Ottawa announces that
the Ministry of Health and Welfare will likely be revising its projections
of AIDS increases downwards. A professor of statistics from the Uni-
versity of Western Ontario, Ian MacNeill, criticized the Ministry’s origi-
nal estimate of 20,000 AIDS cases by 1990. (5 April 1986, Globe and Mail
McLaren A1, A2; 8 April 1986, Toronto Star Adamick A15)
7 April 1986
Stephen Dreezer, a spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Health,
announces that the provincial government is considering providing
insurance to the Red Cross. (7 April 1986, Toronto Star Todd A15)
9 April 1986
The Toronto Sun’s medical reporter Greg Parent dies of a heart condition.
Parent reported on AIDS throughout the early 1980s. (10 April 1986,
Toronto Sun Vezina 36)
9 April 1986
Anthony Graham, a doctor at the Wellesley Hospital, fears that lives are
being endangered by the refusal of some health care workers to learn
resuscitation techniques. (10 April 1986, Globe and Mail Wilson A17)
9 April 1986
Dr. Alastair Clayton, of LCDC, announces that the growth rate of AIDS
cases is slowing, especially among gay men. (9 April 1986, Toronto Star A18)
25 April 1986
The Ontario division of the Canadian Bar Association releases a report
on legal aspects of the reporting and treatment of AIDS victims. The
report argues that compulsory testing should not be a condition of
employment, and employers, school boards and school principals are not
entitled to information whether someone has AIDS. The report does
recommend that doctors report to the Medical Officer of Health anyone
they think may expose the public to infection. (26 April 1986, Globe and
Mail Strauss A18 ; June 1986, Body Politic 17-19)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 343
30 April 1986 
Dr. Alastair Clayton of the LCDC says that the AIDS antibody test is
inconclusive and should therefore not be used to test those applying
for immigration. (26 April 1986, Citizen 1; 26 April 1986, Toronto Star
Haliechuk A3; 30 April 1986, Globe and Mail Strauss A13)
May 1986
Rick Bebout argues in the Body Politic that safe sex does not equate with
monogamy and that in fact, such thinking can be dangerous. (May 1986,
Body Politic 27-28)
1 May 1986
In a letter to the journals Nature and Science, scientists propose to change
the names HTLV-3 and LAU to human immunodeficiency syndrome, or
HIV. (1 May 1986, Toronto Star A2)
1 May 1986
Health Minister Jake Epp said that Ottawa will spend $6.6 million on
AIDS research and education during the fiscal year, and $39 million over
next five years. (2 May 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A20; 2 May 1986,
Toronto Star Sears A2)
3 May 1986
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston reverses an earlier decision and
now requires doctors to report tracking information when requesting an
HIV test. (3 May 1986, Globe and Mail Silversides A14)
9 May 1986
Jim Black, the gay man with AIDS profiled in the documentary film “No
Sad Songs,” dies one month short of his 38th birthday. (10 May 1986,
Toronto Star A15; June 1986, Body Politic 20)
12 May 1986
Dr. Joseph Losos of the LCDC announces that federal health experts are
ready to begin a survey of the prevalence of AIDS among prostitutes in
Canada. The LCDC is in negotiations with various prostitute groups to set
up a system of surveillance. (13 May 1986, Toronto Star Rickwood C16)
16 May 1986
ACT says the $700,000 allotted by Ottawa for community-based groups
is not sufficient. (16 May 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A22; 16 May 1986,
Toronto Sun Ganley 2; 16 May 1986, Globe and Mail A16)
344 MARK L. ROBERTSON
17 May 1986
Dr. Alastair Clayton calls for confidential testing to be made available to
prostitutes in Canada, and recommends that men who visit prostitutes
wear condoms. (17 May 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A16)
26 May 1986
Ontario MPP Susan Fish calls for legislation to protect people refused life
insurance after testing positive for HIV. (27 May 1986, Toronto Sun 22)
June 1986
People with AIDS lobby the government for quick approval of AIDS
drugs. (August 1986, Body Politic 15; November 1986, Body Politic 15)
4 June 1986
At a news conference at City Hall, Metro Chairman Dennis Flynn pro-
claims June 8-15 AIDS Awareness Week in Toronto. This is the third
annual Aids Awareness Week organized by ACT. Condom manufacturers
are invited to attend the launch but do not. (5 June 1986, Toronto Star
Newbery A6; 5 June 1986, Globe and Mail Baker A17; 5 June 1986, Toronto
Sun Buckie 42)
4 June 1986
At a news conference Dr. Jack Nusbacher, medical director of the Red
Cross in Toronto, states that blood tainted by the AIDS virus is no more
prevalent in Toronto than elsewhere in Canada. Nusbacher believes this
is in part because of ACT’s active role in educating people at high risk not
to donate blood. (5 June 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A6)
8 June 1986
“Starring Act: A Celebration,” a benefit for the AIDS hospice in Toronto
kicks off the AIDS Awareness Week at the Harbour Castle Hilton. Stars
include Martin Short, Andrea Martin and the Supremes. Two gay restau-
rateurs are denied their request to present a $1000 donation at the gala
and introduce five guests with AIDS. Organizers are concerned that
some attendees “[may] prefer not to meet the charitable cause face to
face.” (3 June 1986, Toronto Sun Train 57; 9 June 1986, Toronto Sun Mills 27;
9 June 1986, Toronto Star A7; 10 June 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A18)
11 June 1986
A public forum on AIDS is held in North York co-sponsored by ACT and
the North York Public Health Department. (10 June 1986, Toronto Star N2)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 345
13 June 1986
At their annual meeting the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) clari-
fies physician responsibility in reporting positive AIDS antibody tests.
The OMA states that according to the Ontario Ministry of Health physi-
cians have to report cases, but do not have to provide identities of indi-
viduals who test positive to health officials. (13 June 1986, Globe and Mail
Todd A16)
13 June 1986
Lawyer Douglas Elliott presents a report on AIDS issues by the Ontario
wing of the Canadian Bar Association to the Toronto Board of Health.
The report opposes compulsory testing for hospital patients, the armed
forces and convicts, but calls for testing of all immigrants to Canada. (13
June 1986, Toronto Sun Bennett 75)
24 June 1986
A group of 14 activists, including Warren Jensen and Kevin Brown of the
Vancouver PWA Coalition, meet with federal Health Minister Jake Epp to
urge him to make experimental drugs such as cyclosporine and suramin
available to all people with AIDS. (27 June 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A9)
July 1986
A clinic for AIDS-related concerns opens in the psychiatry department at
Mount Sinai Hospital. (2 April 1987, Toronto Star Newbery F1, F4)
7 July 1986
Dr. Robert Gallo, co-discoverer of HIV, speaks at the 6th International
Congress of Immunology in Toronto. (8 July 1986, Toronto Sun Barnard
72; 8 July 1986, Globe and Mail Kelly A3)
7 July 1986
Thirty employees at a Toronto sewer maintenance yard file a complaint
with the Ministry of Labour defending their right under the health and
safety act to refuse to work with a colleague suspected of having AIDS.
(23 July 1986, Toronto Sun Goldstein 33; 24 July 1986, Toronto Sun Lover-
ing 24; 23 July 1986, Toronto Star A6)
21 July 1986
In its annual report, the Ontario Human Rights Commission releases
its policy decision stating that people with AIDS are protected against
discrimination just as are other handicapped people. This statement
protects people with AIDS under the Ontario Human Rights Code. (22
July 1986, Toronto Sun Goldstein 18; 24 July 1986, Toronto Star A19)
346 MARK L. ROBERTSON
24 July 1986
Ontario Ministry of Labour rules that the group of 30 workers at a sewer
maintenance yard cannot refuse to work with a co-worker suspected of
having AIDS, since he does not present a health risk. (25 July 1986,
Toronto Sun Lovering 62)
12 August 1986
At a meeting of the general council of the Canadian Medical Association,
doctors recommend that provincial health authorities should collect infor-
mation about people with AIDS. (13 August 1986, Globe and Mail A4)
13 August 1986
The Canadian Medical Association hears a report that shows that 10,000
Canadians have been infected with HIV. The results come from people
who have donated blood, and people who have taken part in studies
through the LCDC and Canadian universities. (14 August 1986, Toronto
Star Dunlop A3)
September 1986
Barrett House, a five-bed AIDS hospice, opens in Toronto. (10 June 1987,
Toronto Star A31)
9 September 1986
An inmate at Millbrook with HIV will be kept in isolation for his one-year
sentence after the guards’ union files a grievance about workplace safety.
(9 September 1986, Toronto Sun 29)
12 September 1986
Ontario Housing ministry rejects an application for funds to help start
the Casey House Hospice. The Hospice Committee had asked for
$880,000 to help pay for the building. (12 September 1986, Toronto Star
Dunphy B5)
17 September 1986
June Callwood writes an article in the Globe and Mail describing an ACT
support group for people with AIDS. (17 September 1986, Globe and Mail
Callwood A2)
23 September 1986
Jerald Moldenhauer, owner of Glad Day Book Shop, says that the seizure
and censorship of gay erotica at the United States border endangers the
lives of gay men by denying them information on AIDS. (24 September
1986, Globe and Mail Kingwell A16)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 347
October 1986
Ontario’s Provincial Advisory Committee on AIDS advises health units
that it is not feasible to trace a large number of anonymous contacts
among homosexual or bisexual men, but says it is essential to trace con-
tacts in cases of tainted blood transfusions. (15 March 1987, Toronto Star
Newbery B1, B4)
October 1986 
The Toronto People with AIDS (PWA) Foundation is established. 
3 October 1986
It is announced that the first Canadian tests of AZT are to begin in
Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In the federally funded clinical trial,
100 Canadians will participate. (2 October 1986, Toronto Star Newbery
A13; 3 October 1986, Globe and Mail A3)
8 October 1986
According to an Ontario Ministry of Health memo, the identities of
teachers and students with AIDS will remain confidential. (8 October
1986, Toronto Sun McLeod 5; 8 October 1986, Toronto Star G12 [Final ed.];
9 October 1986, Toronto Sun McLeod 5; 22 October 1986, Toronto Sun
Goldstein 8)
Week of 13 October 1986
A Catholic parent group calls on the Metro Separate School Board to
stop public health nurses from providing sex education to Grade 8 stu-
dents. (24 October 1986, Toronto Star Jones F1)
16 October 1986
ACT chair Joan Anderson calls for AZT to be made available on a com-
passionate basis in Canada. Canadians with AIDS are being forced to
cross the border to obtain the drug. Trials in Canada are set to begin
January 1987. (17 October 1986, Globe and Mail McInnes A16; 17 October
1986, Toronto Sun Barnard 49)
16 October 1986
Ontario government steps in with an interim grant to keep ACT solvent.
The federal government only provides $150,000 a year. (17 October 1986,
Globe and Mail McInnes A16; 18 October 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A10)
17 October 1986
Responding to pressure to make AZT available, the AIDS Centre of the
LCDC states that it will not make AZT available to all patients until the
348 MARK L. ROBERTSON
end of Canadian drug trials set to begin in January 1987. (18 October
1986, Globe and Mail McInnes A13)
23 October 1986
At the annual convention of the College of Family Physicians and Sur-
geons Dr. John Frank of the University of Toronto insists that AIDS tests
only be conducted with patient consent. (24 October 1986, Globe and
Mail McInnes A14)
29 October 1986
Ontario Health Minister Murray Elston reports that there were 111 new
AIDS cases last year—fewer than expected. (30 October 1986, Globe and
Mail McInnes A22)
4 November 1986
Reversing his earlier position Health and Welfare Minister Jake Epp
announces that AZT will be available in Canada within a few days. (5
November 1986, Toronto Sun 18; 5 November 1986, Globe and Mail A5; 5
November 1986, Toronto Star A11)
13 November 1986
Television station CTV says that it will air commercials for condoms if
they are in good taste. The CBC is undecided on the question. (13
November 1986, Toronto Star Adilman B1)
15-16 November 1986
The second annual Canadian AIDS Conference is held in Toronto. The
conference is sponsored by the Canadian AIDS Society and hosted by
the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Researchers say the government must
put more money into AIDS research and education. Dr. Catherine Han-
kins, a member of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS, urges
putting condoms in high schools and shutting down gay bathhouses.
Seven men on a panel discuss their identities as people with AIDS. (16
November 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A4; 16 November 1986, Toronto
Sun Barnard 72; 17 November 1986, Globe and Mail McInnes A15; 17
November 1986, Globe and Mail McInnes A15; 17 November 1986, Toronto
Star Newbery A2 ; 17 November 1986, Toronto Star Newbery A2; 19
November 1986, Toronto Sun Barnard 54)
17 November 1986
At a news conference provincial NDP leader Bob Rae calls on the gov-
ernment to do more to educate the public about AIDS and increase sup-
port for people with AIDS. (18 November 1986, Toronto Star A14)
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 349
18 November 1986
The Ontario Public Education Panel on AIDS will produce fact sheets for
students grade 7 and up. (18 November 1986, Globe and Mail McInnes A17)
20 November 1986
The United Church of Canada releases a statement rejecting the argu-
ment that AIDS is God’s punishment for homosexuals. (21 November
1986, Globe and Mail Downey A17)
December 1986
A Gallup poll for the Canadian Public Health Association shows that 25%
of adults and 33% of 15-17 year-olds do not believe condoms reduce one’s
chances of getting AIDS. (26 March 1987, Toronto Star Newbery A18)
4 December 1986
Toronto fundraiser Bill Mole announces his second fundraising walk—
this time from Windsor to Toronto—to raise AIDS awareness and money
to produce “safe sex” stamps, the sale of which is intended to raise
money for people living with AIDS and their families. (4 December 1986,
Toronto Star D28)
10 December 1986
Tim Jocelyn, Toronto sculptor, surface designer and fabric artist, dies of
AIDS. (11 December 1986, Globe and Mail C8)
10 December 1986 
An WHO specialist announces that human testing of an AIDS vaccine is
to begin next year. (11 December 1986, Globe and Mail A16)
16 December 1986
Mary Augimeri, a North York councillor and member of the Toronto
Health Board, criticizes the Toronto Separate School Board’s decision to
prohibit public health nurses from providing sex education. She says
that while the Ontario Public Health Association is developing an infor-
mation package for schools on AIDS, its effectiveness is compromised if
half of the students in the city do not receive the information. (16 Decem-
ber 1986, Toronto Star Ainsworth N25)
23 December 1986
ACT announces that it has received over $100,000 from the Ontario gov-
ernment. The provincial government pledges another $192,000. (23
December 1986, Globe and Mail McMonagle A12; 24 December 1986,
Toronto Star A14)
350 MARK L. ROBERTSON
23 December 1986
Murray Elston announces that he has extended the mandate of the Pub-
lic Education Panel on AIDS for another two years. Since September
1985 the panel has produced fact sheets on AIDS, developed three audio-
visual programs and set up a speaker referral bureau with 200 mem-
bers across the province. (24 December 1986, Toronto Star A14)
23 - 29 December 1986
Customs seizes safer sex material that depicts anal sex. The resulting
outcry leads customs to reverse its decision and make an exception for
descriptions and depictions of anal sex in AIDS educational material.
(24 December 1986, Globe and Mail; 30 December 1986, Toronto Star A20;
30 December 1986, Globe and Mail A4)
28 December 1986
There are 823 reported cases of AIDS in Canada. Federal Health Minister
Jake Epp will investigate whether new mandatory blood testing by the
life insurance industry is discriminatory. (29 December 1986, Toronto Star
A2; 39 December 1986, Toronto Star A16 Editorial; 18 January 1987, Toronto
Star Haliechuk A6)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank the York University Libraries’ Research Fund for
supporting this project. I would also like to thank Megan Hillman and
Jen Gilbert for their hours of work at microfilm readers, in clippings files
and online databases. 
NOTES
1 “Pneumocystis pneumonia—Los Angeles,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,
30 (5 June 1981): 250-52.
2 J. Doherty, “Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a homosexual male—Ontario,”
Canada Diseases Weekly Report, 8, 13 (27 March 1982): 65-68.
3 Joan Hollobon, “AIDS on Rise: 51 Cases in 4 Months, Ottawa Says,” Globe and Mail,
26 November 1984, p. M9.
4 One of the notable recent exceptions is Ann Silversides, AIDS Activist: Michael Lynch
and the Politics of Community (Toronto: Between the Lines, 2003).
5 For a bibliography and discussion of AIDS reporting in The Body Politic, see Mark L.
Robertson, “AIDS coverage in The Body Politic, 1981-1987: An Annotated
Bibliography,” American Review of Canadian Studies, 32, 3 (2002): 415-33.
An Annotated Chronology of the History of AIDS in Toronto 351