Question Period Notes
About this information
In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
If you find a question period note of interest, you may make an access to information request in order to obtain it.
• COVID Alert App currently continues to be maintained by Health Canada and uses strong measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of data. A process to decommission the app as of June 10, 2022 is currently underway, although not yet public.
• Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are working closely with the provinces and territories, federal organizations, as well as distribution channels in the private sector and non-profit organizations, such as the Canadian chambers of commerce, Canadian Red Cross and pharmacies, to distribute rapid tests and self tests.
Beginning in early April 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) had reported an increase in cases of acute severe hepatitis in children not caused by known hepatitis viruses. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial and territorial health partners across the country to investigate cases in Canada. As of May 19, 2022, 10 cases of acute severe hepatitis in children that meet the national case definition have been identified in Canada. PHAC continues to work with its provincial and territorial health partners to further investigate these cases.
Antimicrobial resistance has become a leading cause of death and has been declared a top global health threat by the World Health Organization. Coordinated ‘One Health’ action across the human and animal health sectors and the environment is needed to address the growing threat to Canadians and our healthcare system.
The Government of Canada is committed to improving the health and well-being of autistic Canadians and to supporting caregivers. The Government is also committed to working collaboratively with provinces, territories, families, autistic Canadians, and stakeholders toward the creation of a national autism strategy.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has put successive border measures in place, in response to COVID-19, under the Quarantine Act.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death. Those who have diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. Canadians living with diabetes may be at greater risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has engaged with international partners bilaterally and multilaterally, through the G7, the G20, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organization to help inform our domestic response and to contribute to global efforts on fighting COVID-19.
In the fall of 2020, the Minister of Health announced an independent review of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC’s) Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). PHAC has planned its response to the Final Report of the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN) Independent Review and the Auditor General’s Report 8—Pandemic Preparedness, Surveillance, and Border Control Measures. There has been significant media and parliamentary interest in GPHIN since early 2020.
Community-based organizations and researchers have called on the Government of Canada to increase funding to address HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) in Canada. National stakeholders are increasing calls for additional funding and it is anticipated that their calls will be amplified around upcoming public events, particularly the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022).