Communiqué
May 13, 2006
For immediate release
Conference of Federal-Provincial Territorial Ministers of Health
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto - Federal, Provincial and Territorial
Ministers of Health have agreed to step up their efforts to strengthen
public health capacity in preparing for an influenza pandemic and
other public health threats.
There is no influenza pandemic at this time, but scientists agree
that a global outbreak could occur at any time. A pandemic occurs
when a new influenza virus emerges against which humans have little
or no immunity. Historically, influenza pandemics have occurred
every 10 to 40 years, with the most recent in 1968.
Ministers of Health are determined to ensure Canada remains at
the forefront of pandemic influenza planning. Recognizing the extensive
work already under way by all governments, Ministers reaffirmed
their leadership in preparing for and responding to a pandemic.
Ministers agreed to work together to:
- Seek authority as necessary to increase the joint National Antiviral
Stockpile from 16 million to 55 million doses. Officials will
continue to review the best scientific evidence on the appropriate
use and stock of antivirals.
- Finalize a Memorandum of Understanding by December 2006 to formalize
roles and responsibilities, including funding, as outlined in
the current federal budget, in pandemic preparedness and response.
- Finalize a mutual assistance agreement to enable the sharing
of health human resources and supplies across jurisdictions during
a public health emergency, reflecting best practices and shared
priorities.
- Complete a pan-Canadian public health information system and
an agreement on the timely sharing of information in preparing
for and responding to a public health emergency.
- Develop a coordinated, pan-Canadian communications strategy
to provide Canadians with the information they need to prepare
for and respond to a pandemic.
- Contain the spread of a potential outbreak of avian influenza
by collaborating with agricultural, environmental and other sectors.
- Coordinate planning exercises to ensure the effectiveness of
each government's plans and state of readiness.
The federal government will continue to work with industry and
international partners on the development, testing and licensing
of an effective vaccine.
The federal government recognizes its primary role in public health
on First Nations' reserves. All governments recognize the need for
integrated plans that include First Nations and other Aboriginal
communities. All Ministers reaffirmed that antivirals from the joint
National Antiviral Stockpile, vaccines and essential supplies will
be available to First Nations and Aboriginal communities on the
same basis as they are provided to other Canadians.
"Today we took concrete steps forward in our efforts to protect
Canadians in the event of a pandemic or an outbreak of avian influenza,"
said Federal Minister of Health, Tony Clement. "While we are making
steady progress, more needs to be done. We are committed to moving
forward together to engage and involve all Canadians in our plans
and preparations."
"Governments across Canada are determined to be ready for the next
pandemic, and we are committed to ensuring any further work that
needs to be done is completed," said New Brunswick Health Minister
Brad Green. "It is vital to Canadians that their governments are
working together on this important issue."
Ministers also highlighted the need for and benefits of non-governmental
and private sector organizations continuing to develop appropriate
pandemic preparedness and business continuity plans. Governments
and the private sector will work together to ensure continuity of
supply of key goods and services. All sectors of society must do
their part to enhance preparedness for any potential public health
emergency.
In the wake of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak
in 2003, federal, provincial and territorial governments have been
working together to enhance Canada's capacity to respond to emerging
health threats. Ministers are committed to a strong and effective
partnership in preparation for an influenza pandemic, the appearance
of avian influenza in Canada or any other public health emergencies.
Health Ministers asked that their officials include pandemic planning
as a standing item on all their ministerial meetings.
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Media Inquiries:
Aggie Adamczyk
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-941-8189
Johanne LeBlanc
New Brunswick Department of Health
506-453-2536
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