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.
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The Government of Canada has endorsed global targets that aim to end the AIDS and viral hepatitis epidemics and reduce the health impacts of sexually transmitted infections by 2030. 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.
LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Two-Spirited) populations in Canada experience inequalities across a range of social and economic conditions that support health. Many of these inequalities are the result of stigma and discrimination, which create barriers to accessing material and social resources (e.g. employment, housing, social support) as well as access to health and social services. LGBTQ2 populations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 as the crisis has compounded existing social, health, and mental health inequalities.
The typical duration of acute COVID-19 illness is two to six weeks. However, some patients have described debilitating symptoms persisting or recurring for weeks or months after acute illness.
NACI may make recommendations that are broader or narrower than the conditions of use approved by Health Canada. As regulator, Health Canada rigorously evaluates safety and efficacy data from clinical trials before authorizing vaccines, but does not dictate practice of medicine or make recommendations on how the vaccines should be used for public health impact.
To address the procurement and distribution needs in support of the frontline health care response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada employs a multi-pronged approach of interdepartmental coordination that includes the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, National Research Council, Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defense, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Statistics Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Following a motion for the production of papers by the Special Committee on Canada-China relations, there has been a renewed interest in security protocols at the National Microbiology Laboratory.
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.