Question Period Notes
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To closely monitor the emergence and spread of COVID-19 in communities across Canada, the Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial and international partners to detect signals and investigate transmission patterns.
COVID-19 has highlighted new and existing issues that make it a challenge to collect, share, and use health data for the benefit of Canadians. 'Health data' includes public health, health system and population health data. In the May 2021 Office of the Auditor General report Pandemic Preparedness, Surveillance, and Border Control Measures, it was recommended that Canada create a pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy (pCHDS) to address foundational issues related to the collection, sharing and use of health data in Canada. The Government of Canada is following this advice and creating a pCHDS through federal, provincial and territorial partnership with advice from an Expert Advisory Group. The EAG published its second report on November 30, 2021.
Perinatal mental illness is a significant complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period and refers to mental health conditions experienced during this time, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
Addressing perinatal mental health includes more than identifying and treating mental illness during the perinatal period. Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention activities, such as improving the mental health literacy of pregnant and postpartum individuals, are a critical part of addressing perinatal mental health needs.
The Office of the Auditor General of Canada conducted a performance audit focused on whether the Public Health Agency of Canada was prepared to respond to a pandemic.
With broader reopening, it is expected the influenza season could reappear this fall or winter.
To enable Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada (GC) was required to make significant short-term investments to increase Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) capacity as the lead federal Agency in the COVID-19 response. Much of this investment has been short-term. A PHAC renewal exercise, which is already underway, will help inform longer-term financial needs.
Suicide is a significant public health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds across Canada. On December 2, 2021, a CTV News report highlighted the suicide epidemic in Nunavut. In an email to CTVNews.ca, Nunavut’s Chief Coroner Khen Sagadraca said 36 suicides had been recorded so far in the territory as of November 18, 2021.
• To reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Canadians, the Government of Canada established a Federal Rapid Surge Capacity initiative to augment existing services in areas where needs are most critical, including Health Human Resources (HHR). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and highlighted pre-existing shortages in Canada’s HHR capacity. Fatigue and burnout among health professionals continue to expose some of these gaps.
• In addition to funding provided to provinces and territories (PT) through Safe Restart Agreements, tools have been developed to provide federal surge supports to PT for COVID-19 pandemic response. Surge supports, including HHR, are available for consideration when needs exceed municipal, provincial, and territorial capabilities.
In Canada, vaccination is a shared responsibility among the federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments. The majority of costs are borne by the provinces and territories (PTs), who are responsible for the planning and delivery of vaccination programs. Vaccines are not covered by the Canada Health Act, and are therefore provided as supplementary services at the discretion of PTs.
All provinces and territories, with the exception of Nunavut, have implemented domestic proof of vaccination requirements within their jurisdiction (e.g. to enter certain non-essential businesses or events).