Question Period Notes
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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.)
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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.
People affected by the floods and resulting disruptions to supply chains and the availability of essential goods have been travelling to or through the United States to secure the necessities of life (food, fuel) or to transit through the U.S. to return to their communities. On November 21, 2021, the Government of Canada announced an exemption from the requirement for these travellers to obtain a PCR test upon return to Canada, along with the application of some other border measures. These exemptions do not apply to non-essential, discretionary travel.
Following the announcement, some travellers have been fined for non-compliance with the PCR requirement and have been instructed to quarantine.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has put successive border measures in place, in response to COVID-19, under the Quarantine Act.
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.
Omicron (B.1.1.529), the newly designated COVID-19 variant of concern, has been detected in Canada.
Dementia is a set of symptoms affecting brain function. It is often characterized by changes in memory, mood, judgement and other cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. In 2017–2018, almost 452,000 Canadians aged 65 and older were living with diagnosed dementia. This number is expected to increase with Canada’s growing and aging population.
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.
The Office of the Auditor General is tabling the Audit of Enforcement of Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing Orders report on December 9, 2021.
The emotional stress, isolation, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic create additional risks for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. Family violence, including all forms of intimate partner violence, accounts for roughly 40% of violent crime reported to police.
In the fall of 2020, the Minister of Health announced an independent review of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). The final report was published on July 12, 2021. In addition, the Auditor General’s Report 8 – Pandemic Preparedness, Surveillance, and Border Control Measures was released in March 2021, and includes a recommendation relating to GPHIN.