Question Period Note: Unexplained Health Incidents

Questions may arise regarding the measures taken by the Government of Canada in response to unusual health symptoms reported by some Canadian diplomats and family members in Cuba.

• The health, safety, and security of diplomatic staff and families are our top priority
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• We continue to investigate the potential causes of unexplained health incidents (UHI) reported by diplomatic staff and their dependents. A cause has not been identified.
• We strongly encouraging all staff and dependents to report health incidents for the purpose of the investigation and their personal care.
• Canadian diplomats and dependents posted to Havana, Cuba have reported health incidents since 2017.
• We are paying close attention to these health incidents, and are collaborating closely with the U.S. and with Cuba to identify the cause and to protect the health and safety of Government of Canada staff and their families.

The Government of Canada continues to investigate the potential causes of unusual health symptoms reported by some Canadian diplomatic staff and dependents.

There is a government-wide effort to address this situation, including an ongoing investigation in cooperation with our U.S. counterparts and Cuban authorities.

All Canadian diplomats and their families who reported unusual symptoms in Cuba have received medical testing and medical monitoring in Canada.

There continues to be ongoing media coverage of unexplained health incidents experienced by U.S. government staff abroad, which has understandably generated concerns among Government of Canada employees around the world.

Out of an abundance of caution and to meet our duty of care obligations, in September Global Affairs Canada began a process to inform staff around our Missions of the symptoms of the health incidents and how to report. This included briefings with senior managers at headquarters, with all Heads of Mission abroad, and with interdepartmental partners and colocators within GAC's mission network abroad.

On October 7th, a broadcast message to all staff was issued, which outlines the symptoms and how to report. The RCMP and CSIS have sent similar messages to their staff.

Global Affairs Canada continues to maintain a security and health protocol to respond immediately to any unusual events or health symptoms affecting Canadian diplomats and their families.

Some content was redacted in line with access to information and privacy exemptions.