President of the PHAC before the Standing Committee on Health: Canadian response to the Novel Coronavirus (February 5, 2020)

On this page

• Opening remarks
• Questions and answers
• 2019-nCoV screening for evacuees (Op Paratus Recce)
• Bios

Opening remarks

Ottawa, Canada
February 5, 2020

Introduction

Situation Update

• As you are aware, things continue to evolve globally in terms of the spread of illness and response efforts.
• We are monitoring the situation in China and other countries very closely to inform our overall risk assessment. 
• There are now over 20,000 confirmed cases globally.
• While the vast majority are in mainland China, and largely within Hubei province, 27 other countries and regions have reported cases, including :
  • 11 in the United States, and
  • 5 in Canada, - 3 in Ontario and 2 in British Colombia (which includes 1 pending NML confirmation).
• The increase in numbers we are seeing reported in China is not unexpected.
• Chinese authorities have taken considerable efforts to contain the spread of the virus:
  • Expanding production of medical products (e.g. protective gowns and surgical masks) and sending additional 2,000 health workers to support Hubei province.
  • Issued technical guidelines regarding use of personal protective equipment (e.g. masks).
  • Increasing other venues for receiving and treating patients with mild symptoms or for medical observation of close contacts.
• Canada’s public health system is well equipped to contain cases coming from abroad and their potential for spreading within Canada.
• There is a high level of vigilance and coordination by all levels of governments.
• We have clear protocols in place to monitor for illnesses and ensure the quick identification and isolation of suspected cases.
• The system is working as it should to protect Canadians against this novel coronavirus.
• The overall risk to Canadians in Canada remains low. 

Special Advisory Committee

• As part of Canada’s overall response, on January 28th, the federal government and provinces and territories agreed to establish a Special Advisory Committee on Novel Coronavirus.
• A focused, time-limited mechanism for public health collaboration and information sharing between jurisdictions related to the Coronavirus response.
• Co-chaired by the current Public Health Network Council (PHNC) co-chairs - Dr. Theresa Tam and and Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Saskatchewan - and includes members of both the Public Health Network Council (PHNC) and the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health.
• Meeting several times per week to advance discussions on:
  • Specific protocols for public health measures to contain the spread of the virus;
  • Technical guidance to health professionals; and
  • Informing our thinking regarding repatriation of Canadians from China.
• All jurisdictions in Canada are very much seized with protecting Canadians from this novel Coronavirus.

WHO - Public Health Emergency of International Concern

• The international response has also evolved in the past week.
• On January 30th, the World Health Organisation’s Director General declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• As part of its declaration, the WHO has issued temporary recommendations and instructions to China and all countries in the areas of surveillance and reporting, and infectious disease prevention and control.
• Also, the Director General of the WHO has called on all countries to work together in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, to assist countries with weaker health systems, and to accelerate research for the development of therapeutics and vaccines.
• Canada’s response is very much aligned with the World Health Organization’s recommendations.  I will speak to this in a moment. 
• It is important to note that, as the situation evolves, we are working to remain vigilant in our planning to ensure we are prepared to respond – should the situation change.  We are watching closely what is happening in China and in other countries to help inform our response over time.

Federal Response to Date

• To date, Canada has put in place a number of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus into Canada. 

Border Measures

• PHAC has placed new messaging on arrivals screens in 10 Canadian Airports in French, English and Chinese – advising travellers who have been to Hubei to inform a Border Services Officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Additional quarantine officers are in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver airports, and more public health support staff have been deployed to compliment CBSA screening at 10 Canadian airports – to provide information about what individuals should do if they experience any symptoms.

Identifying Ill Travellers

• If a traveller from Hubei is screened at the border and is experiencing symptoms associated with the Coronavirus - traveler will undergo an assessment by the Quarantine Officer or Canada Border Services Agents, who have been designated as screening officers under the Quarantine Act.  Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine officers stand ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If it is determine that the traveller is exhibiting symptoms associated with Coronavirus, a PHAC quarantine officer will conduct a more detailed health assessment, as required.
• As of February 2, 2020, 680 travelers have identified as returning from Hubei Province, with 40 individuals referred for further assessment by a quarantine officer.  Of those, 37 were released with an educational hand-out and 3 were issued an order for a further medical exam. 
• Coronavirus infection is diagnosed through laboratory testing.  Provincial laboratories perform initial testing and PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) performs confirmatory testing for any positive 2019-nCoV laboratory result obtained by a provincial/territorial public health laboratory. 
• As of February 4, 2020, NML has undertaken testing for 149 persons under investigation for 2019-nCoV in Canada, 4 have tested positive and 145 have tested negative.
• To date, there are 4 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Canada and 1 presumptive confirmed, announced yesterday by British Columbia. 

Contract Tracing and Quarantine

• Where a case of Coronavirus is confirmed, in addition to measures to treat the ill individual, public health initiatives contact tracing to determine if others have been infected.
• Contact tracing is led by local public health authorities, in collaboration with provincial and federal agencies, and others (such as federal border and quarantine services, airlines, and public health agencies in other countries). 
• Contact tracing methods are continually refined using the latest information available on the method and ease of transmission.   

Monitoring and Reporting

• Detecting illness due to the novel coronavirus is essential to containing its spread.
• We are working closely with provinces and territories and the World Health Organization, to track the spread of this virus. 
• Our National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg is working collaboratively with provinces and territories to increase testing capacity across Canada given this is a new virus. It also acts as a reference laboratory to conduct initial testing or to confirm provincial/territorial test results.
• It is important to note that Canada is obligated under the International Health Regulations to report any confirmed cases of coronavirus to the World Health Organization.

Research and Vaccines

• We are mobilizing research capacity to support efforts to respond to this outbreak.
• Through Global Affairs investments, Canada is funding a global alliance (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)) that is coordinating early international efforts for vaccine development.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada is mobilizing research organizations across the country in response to 2019-nCoV.  Our efforts will be aligned with international priorities so that Canada’s assets and talents are directed at the most pressing issues, including vaccine development, diagnostics and therapeutics. It is important to note, however, that a vaccine will not be available for some time – underscoring the importance of infectious disease prevention efforts.

Communications

• We are issuing proactive approach to communications to reassure Canadians by continuing to provide regular and transparent updates to dispel misinformation on this issue.
• We remain concerned about stigma related to the coronavirus. The Minister of Health has underscored the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination, in public health in general and around this evolving outbreak.
  • One concrete way we are dealing with this challenge is to regularly provide up-to-date information so the public can rely on us as a trusted source, in order to mitigate and counterbalance the fear that could arise from misinformation that is circulating.
• We are ensuring that Canadian travellers have up-to-date advice to help them make informed choices – including how to reduce the risk of getting sick, and the steps to take if they exhibit symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus. 
• A novel coronavirus information line is now live for Canadians with specific questions regarding coronavirus, by providing information (e.g., travel health advisories), and coordination/access to expertise by referring individuals to the appropriate local public health numbers.
• Promoted social media posts - when Canadians search for content related to the novel coronavirus, they will see a notice at the top of their search results linking to our website. Twitter has already included a post at the top of searches on Twitter pointing to PHAC and linking to our website.

Repatriation

• I would now like to take a few moments to speak to Canada’s plans to repatriate Canadians from Hubei province. 

The Plan

• On February 6, Canadians will be evacuated from China and brought to CFB Trenton in Ontario, arriving February 7. 
• Returning Canadians, including staff and flight crew, will remain at CFB Trenton for 14 days for further medical assessment and observation, and provided with all the necessary medical and other supports as needed to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians. 
• Objective of Canada’s repatriation plan is to ensure heightened oversight to protect health of exposed travellers, as well as the health and safety of Canada and Canadians.

Pre-boarding in China

• All Canadians boarding will undergo medical exit screening (visual/ temperature check) by Chinese authorities before entering airport, followed by a second visual/temperature check by Canadian Armed Forces medical staff before boarding.

On the Plane

• Canadian Armed Forces Health Services medical personnel will accompany travellers on the flight, and monitor all on board for onset of symptoms of respiratory illness throughout the 13 hour flight, including a detailed health questionnaire to gather traveller contact tracing information.
• If a passenger becomes ill, they will be segregated into an isolated section of the plan, if possible, and masked for the duration of the flight.
• An interim refueling stop, en route to Trenton, ON, will take place in B.C., where travellers will be reassessed and deplaned only as appropriate for medical investigation and care if they develop symptoms while in transit.

Arrival and Follow-up under Quarantine Act

• Arrival point will be CFB-Trenton to support coordinated and contained processing and support services.
• In the event that a passenger becomes ill on the flight, emergency medical staff will transfer the ill passenger directly to a local health care facility for examination and treatment consistent with the approach determined by the Ontario public health authority. 
• Under authority of an Emergency Order pursuant to the federal Quarantine Act, all passengers will remain at CFB-Trenton for 14 days after arrival to allow for a full health assessment, follow-up observation by PHAC personnel for all travellers and support services.
• During this period, we will offer social support including mental health services, given the stressful experience.
• Should symptoms be identified at any time, the traveller will be appropriately transported in coordination with the provincial health authority to the local hospital for further treatment and contact tracing protocols will be initiated.
• At the end of the 14-day period, onward travel information of asymptomatic Canadians returning on the repatriation flight will be communicated to their respective P/T jurisdiction to facilitate any further follow up by local public health.
• Following the completion of the full health assessment, the Government of Canada will provide transportation to Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal.

Conclusion

Potential questions and answers

1. How many people are infected with Coronavirus?

As of February 5, nearly 25,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide in 26 countries, 5 of these in Canada. There have been 481 deaths, two of these outside of mainland China (Hong Kong, Philippines). We fully expect that the number of confirmed cases will continue to increase.

2. What is Public Health Emergency of International Concern? What does it mean for Canada?

(Health Portfolio Operations Centre [HPOC])

A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is a formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of “an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response”. While the WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, the risk of spread in Canada remains low. The declaration of a PHEIC should be seen in the spirit of support for China and for a global coordinated effort to enhance preparedness.

3. Is Canada compliant with the World Health Organization?

Canada continues to report to the WHO on cases confirmed in Canada. Canada is committed to its obligations under the International Health Regulations (IHR) and strives to meet its reporting obligations in all circumstances.  Of the 4 of cases currently confirmed reported in Canada, we have provided case information to the WHO on 3 of the cases.  We work closely with the provinces and territories to ensure we have accurate and timely information to inform the response to this emerging public health event.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Roles and Responsibilities

4. How is the federal government working with the provinces and territories?

(Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Policies Division [ISPD])

It is important that we ensure a coordinated F/P/T response to this event.  As with any significant public health event, provinces and territories will look to the federal government to lead the overall coordination of the response and may also request specific assistance from the federal government.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation.

PHAC, as co-chair of the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network (PHN), the preeminent forum for collaboration amongst federal, provincial, territorial senior public health officials, has been actively monitoring, coordinating and responding to this situation from the beginning.

On January 28th, the Public Health Network activated a Special Advisory Committee (SAC) on Coronavirus as per the conditions under the FPT Public Health Response Plan for Biological Events. These conditions include the need for consistent approaches to border screening, contact identification and follow-up, as well as public and professional communications.

The Special Advisory Committee, consisting of senior public health officials and the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health (CCMOH), is leading coordination on monitoring and reporting on cases, public health policy, technical guidance and communications across jurisdictions to support response related to this outbreak.

Border Measures – Office of Border and Travel Health (OTBH)

5. Why are there no additional screening measures at other airports? How effective are the screening measures?

(HPOC)

In addition to enhanced screening measures at the Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal airports, as of February 1, 2020, enhanced screening measures have been expanded to seven more airports including Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Billy Bishop and Quebec City airports. On-screen messaging on arrivals screens will alert travelers from Hubei province to inform a border service officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Electronic kiosks now include a question to identify travelers from Hubei province. Travellers are provided with handouts informing them of what they should do if they become ill after arrival in Canada.

6. What would be the impact of increased border measures?

Increased border measures could:

• be seen as undermining the International Health Regulations “to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade”;
• lead other countries to conceal outbreaks from the international community;
• weaken information sharing between countries, which is critical for outbreak monitoring and response in future outbreaks;
• increase stigma and reduce self-reporting as symptomatic individuals may be subjected to increased discrimination;
• impede the movement of goods and resources (e.g. medical supplies) to affected countries who need assistance;
• divert resources from the health system (to do screenings).
• impact relationships with source countries and ability to assist Canadian citizens abroad.

7. How many quarantine officers are stationed at the Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal international airports?

(HPOC)

There are currently [insert most recent #s] Public Health Agency officials at Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal airports and we are anticipating an additional [insert most recent #s] by the end of the week. These staff will assist with screening in addition to Canada Border Services Agents, who are also designated as screening officers under the Quarantine Act. PHAC also has trained nurses accessible by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week who can conduct assessments of ill passengers.

8. What about people arriving in Canada through connections through other airports? What about at land border crossings?

(HPOC)

Enhanced border measures are now in place at 10 airports.  Canada also has a number of standard border measures in place at all border crossings to mitigate the potential risk of introduction and spread of communicable diseases into Canada. These measures include access to a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) quarantine officer 24/7 from any point of entry into Canada. If a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer believes a traveller has symptoms of concern (e.g., fever and cough or difficulty breathing), the officer can contact a quarantine officer who will then conduct an assessment of the ill traveller. The quarantine officer can issue an order to the traveller to undergo a medical examination if deemed it necessary.

9. Of the 18 patients that were deemed by CBSA to require additional medical screening by PHAC Quarantine Officers, what happened to them after? Did they go to a doctor? What are the protocols?

(HPOC) OBTH

In cases where the CBSA officer has completed preliminary screening and a traveller appears to show symptoms of concern (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing), a PHAC quarantine officer has conducted a more detailed health assessment. In some cases, the traveller’s symptoms were not consistent with the Novel Coronavirus and the traveller was provided an information sheet and allowed to enter Canada. If a traveller displays symptoms of concern a PHAC quarantine officer issues an order for the traveller to undergo a medical examination. The traveller is then transported to hospital via ambulance. Once the medical examination has been completed, the doctor decides whether to release the patient. To date, all travellers that have been sent for a medical examination have been subsequently released.

10. What articles are in place in the Quarantine Act in regards to screening? What happens if passengers returning to Canada refuse medical screening at customs?

(HPOC) OBTH

Canada has a number of standard border measures in place to mitigate the potential risk of introduction and spread of communicable diseases into Canada. The Quarantine Act requires all travellers to comply with any reasonable measure ordered by a screening officer or quarantine officer for the purpose of preventing the introduction and spread of a communicable disease. If the individual is symptomatic, there are powers under the quarantine Act to require medical assessment. Should a traveller refuse medical screening, the Quarantine Act authorizes a quarantine officer to request law enforcement involvement.

Health Concerns

11. Is transmission when asymptomatic possible?

(HPOC)

Asymptomatic transmission remains an area of uncertainty, which is currently under intense investigation.  It is important to stress that asymptomatic transmission, even if it occurs, is not thought to be a main driver of the current outbreak.

12. How effective is the cleaning and disinfecting of planes and kiosks?

(HPOC)OTBH

Cleaning and disinfection is a very effective infection prevention and control measure.  We have shared protocols for cleaning and disinfection of planes with our airline partners. 

Increasing the frequency of routine cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces contributes to controlling the spread of infection during any outbreak. The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed and provided recommendations to airlines for the disinfection and sanitation practices for direct flights arriving from China.

13. Should students returning from China be asked to stay home?

(HPOC)

Returning travellers are provided with information on appropriate actions to take depending on the risk associated with their travel history, including information about self-monitoring for symptoms and what passengers should do if they develop symptoms. 

Laboratory Testing

14: Why was the third Ontario case of the novel coronavirus not reported as “presumptive positive” before being sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML)?

(HPOC) NML

The development of laboratory methods for the detection of emerging infectious diseases is evolving. The collaboration between the Ontario Public Health Laboratory and the NML is an excellent example of ongoing collaboration and refinement of our knowledge of nCoV.

15: Are all provinces and territories able to test for the novel coronavirus?

(ISPD)

Multiple provincial public health laboratories can now test for the novel coronavirus with a very high degree of accuracy, and their results undergo additional testing at NML because this is a previously unknown virus and it is good practice to use additional tests to provide further confirmation of initial laboratory findings. The NML is working in close collaboration with provincial and territorial public health laboratories to ensure that persons under investigation for the novel coronavirus are confirmed or ruled out through laboratory testing.

16. Why is the NML conducting additional testing and how long will it take until the NML is able to confirm the results of its additional testing?

(HPOC)

It is standard practice, when laboratory methods are being confirmed and refined for the NML to serve its function as a reference laboratory for the provinces and territories.  The length of time to confirm results is dependent on a number of factors – time to receive the sample, the testing procedures required…etc.

Health System Guidance

17. On what date was the level 3 for travel advisory activated?

On January 29, 2020, PHAC updated its Travel Health Notice to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice.

18. Will Canada declare a public health emergency for the novel coronavirus outbreak like the United States?

(Strategic Partnerships Division [SPD])

Unlike other countries, Canada does not require the formal declaration of a public welfare emergency to access the full range of public health assets and resources of the Government of Canada.

Further, a declaration of a public welfare emergency under the Emergencies Act is a tool of last resort.  A national emergency can and should only be invoked in situations of such proportions or nature as to exceed the capacity or authority of a province to deal with the emergency, or that cannot be effectively dealt with under our existing laws of Canada.  Canada can and will continue to use its existing authorities under the Quarantine Act, the Food and Drugs Act and the Department of Health Act, among others, to handle the situation.

Repatriation

19. What protective measures are being taken to ensure Canadians being repatriated do not potentially expose others to the Coronavirus?

No answer provided in the briefing binder.

20. What protective gear (hazmat suit, masks) will the passengers be given for the charter flight out of China?

No answer provided in the briefing binder.

21. What guidance is being provided in regards to how the passengers being evacuated from will be treated on the plane?

No answer provided in the briefing binder.

22. Why are you holding repatriated Canadians for 14 days when other travellers from Wuhan are being permitted to proceed with travel if they are not ill?

No answer provided in the briefing binder.

23. Will federal employees on the plane be treated the same as the passengers returning from China (i.e. do the crew and federal staff have to be quarantined and undergo 14 day self-isolation)?

No answer provided in the briefing binder.

Research (PCA)

24. Is there a vaccine that protects against coronaviruses in humans? If none are currently approved, are there any that are in development or being tested?

On the vaccines there have been a number of vaccines that have been previously developed for coronaviruses, not this specific one, and the world again is pulling together everyone who actually has one of these vaccines and seeing what we can do to accelerate that development. What I can say is that even with the most rapid acceleration I don't believe we are going to see a vaccine that is ready probably for a year. At least we have to plan for the fact that we're going to be managing this particular virus with no specific vaccine.

25. How long will it take to develop a vaccine?

Even with the most rapid acceleration I don't believe a vaccine will be ready for probably a year. In terms of the development of a vaccine we have been working internationally in terms of contributing to the mobilization of an international response, and through Global Affairs investments Canada is funding a global alliance called “coalition for epidemic preparedness innovations” that's coordinating early international efforts for vaccine development.

Federal Populations and Federal Collaboration (PCA)

26. What is the government doing to ensure federal employees are taking the appropriate precautions?

Health Canada is responsible for providing occupational health and safety advice to federal departments. On January 22, they have issued a general Occupational Health Advisory for departments and agencies which reflects the advice that was provided to Canadians including: washing your hands often with soap and water, coughing or sneezing into your arm or tissue, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

International Collaboration (OIA)

27. Is Canada collaborating with the U.S.? 

Canada has a strong, comprehensive and long-standing relationship with the U.S. in health. 

We are working closely with counterparts in the United States to share information including updating on our measures, and explore opportunities to assist China and the global community in response to the outbreak.  

28. How is Canada collaborating with the international community?

Global collaboration in preparation and response to such events is invaluable to not only Canadians but also the global community. We are working with international partners, including the World Health Organization, and through established partnerships such as the Global Health Security Initiative to share information and learn more about this virus. Our engagement with key international partners through these various networks has enabled us to quickly understand measures implemented in other countries and to use this information to inform our own national decision-making.

2019-nCoV screening for evacuees

Op Paratus Recce

Chinese authorities screening:

1. Chinese Health authorities have established a screening point at the airport in order to allow travellers to get access to the airport. They are doing temperature check only and the indication of fever is above 37,3C.
2. Passengers will already have all documentation on hands, including the order for the quarantine at Trenton for 14 days.

DND pre-Boarding screening:

1. The evacuees’ plane was granted three (3) hours by the Chinese civil aviation authorities to screen the travellers before boarding.
2. DND medical staff (6) will take the temperature of each traveller and ask them about nCoV symptomatology. The indication of fever is above 38C.
3. DND will also ask questions on the medical status of each traveller to determine if they are fit to fly.

Onboard the flight:

1. DND medical staff onboard will perform at least two (2) quick health assessments of each travellers (temperature, and asking if they feel any nCoV symptoms).
2. Travellers will fill a health declaration form with information on: identification or the traveller, presence of any symptoms and potential at-risk exposure.
3. DND will keep their form until they deplane.

On arrival:

1. Hangar 7 of CFB Trenton is where the arrival procedures will take place.
2. A CBSA officer as well as a Quarantine Officer (QO) will be the first ones to board the plane and talk to DND medical staff to ensure no one was sick during the flight. If it is the case, the QO will work collaboratively with CBSA and EMS to transfer the patient to the hospital and issue an order for a medical exam.
3. If no one is sick, travellers will deplane by group of 40 to undergo CBSA process. This process should take an hour.
4. Once the CBSA process done, travellers will then be routed to the Quarantine section of the hanger where 6 QOs will verify and collect the health declaration forms. If there are potential high risk exposure travellers, QO could ask additional questions to clarify and these travellers could be subject to additional daily health assessments.
5. Since the travellers will already have read a copy of the Order in Council, QOs will also support CBSA and Red Cross in the hangar if a traveller would become symptomatic.
6. Travellers will then proceed to the Red Cross section of the hangar where they will be given an information package and assigned a room.
7. Travellers will then proceed to the buses that will bring them to the lodging area. There are four (4) buses available and each of them will leave the hangar as soon as they are full in order to limit waiting times for the traveller.

Lodging Area: (Self-isolation zone)

1. Each traveller will have a room and families will be grouped together. All bedrooms have complete bathrooms with shower. The three story building has washers and dryers on each floor. There’s a conference room but there is no gym or common area.
2. This area will be protected 24/7 by security guards with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police when needed to enforce the Quarantine Act or for other disturbances including criminal activities.
3. Nurses under the supervision of Quarantine Officers will provide daily health assessments to each traveller.
4. EMAT (Emergency management assistance teams) will provide onsite primary care including social services. They will have a mini-clinic with one nurse practitioner, two nurses and a paramedic. The clinic has a negative pressure room. The Federal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will assist EMAT for travellers and federal employees when needed.
5. Red Cross will provide daily general assistance to the travellers including clothing, diapers, food, formula, games.

Bios

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• He has no public statements on the Coronavirus.

Cannabis:

• Stated that Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, is “one of the biggest and most transformative public policy shifts in recent history” and that the “previous approach did not work”. (May 14, 2019).

Drug use and abuse:

• Introduced Bill C-224, an Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (assistance in overdose drugs) which received Royal Assent on May 4, 2017. Also known as the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, the Bill amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in order to exempt from charges for possession or charges related to the violation of certain conditions or orders a person who seeks emergency medical or law enforcement assistance for themselves or another person following overdosing on a controlled substance.

Marketing of unhealthy foods to children:

• Spoke in favour of Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibiting food and beverage marketing directed at children) on February 12, 2018. He noted that this bill would protect the health and well-being of all Canadian children.

Organ Donation:

• On November 5, 2018, spoke in favour of Bill C-316 (An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ donors).

Palliative Care:

• On May 9, 2017, spoke in favour of Bill C-277, an Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care in Canada and to discuss our government's commitment to improving palliative and end of life care for all Canadians. He noted that “while medical assistance in dying is only one potential option at the end of life, experiences in other countries suggest that only a fraction will seek it. It seems that many Canadians who could benefit from palliative care do not receive it.”

Patient Safety:

• On November 1, 2017, delivered a Members’ Statement recognizing Canadian Patient Safety Week. He noted that patient safety incidents are the third leading cause of death, behind cancer and heart disease in Canada.

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• During Question Period, on January 27, 2020, asked the Minister of Health:
  • “What is the plan, knowing that more cases are likely, and how can Canadians be assured that this spread is being properly contained?”
  • Is there enough antiviral drugs in the national emergency stockpile to address a possible broader outbreak?”
• During Question Period, on January 28, 2020, asked the Minister of Health:
  • How Canadians can be sure that current screening measures at airports will keep them safe, given the first Canadian Coronavirus case initially alerted CBSA agents to his cough and travel to Wuhan?
• During Question Period, on January 29, 2020, asked the Prime Minister:
  • “If he is satisfied with his government’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak?”
• During Question Period, on January 30, 2020, asked the Minister of Health:
  • “What the government’s quarantine plan is for Canadians who are being repatriated back to Canada from Chinese cities under quarantine?”
• During Question Period, on February 3, 2020, asked the Minister of Health:
  • “Why the government hasn’t implemented a travel ban to China and why it hasn’t declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the Coronavirus?”

• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • The process of following up with passengers that arrived from the Hubei region
  • Repatriation of Canadians from China and the quarantine protocol for them

• He has tweeted that he has been reading intensely on the coronavirus. He only has three tweets on the matter, he retweeted a statement from Tyler Shandro the provincial Minister of Health for Alberta, in which the provincial Minister announced a province-wide advisory to Doctors. Matt Jeneroux also tweeted his support of Canadian hospitals and airports putting in place enhanced infection-control measures. He has since shared an infographic that shared general information about the Coronavirus.
• During an interview with CBC on Jan 28th, Matt Jeneroux said Canadians have many unanswered questions about the virus, and he hopes federal health, transport and foreign affairs officials can answer them. He stated that the “There are questions about how public safety is being taken care of, how the screening at airports is being taken care of, how hospitals are being taken care of. I think all of those are legitimate questions that are being asked, and having detailed responses back to those questions I think is appropriate. Ultimately, we don't want to light up a partisan fire on this. We want to make sure that Canadians are assured that their government is working diligently to protect all Canadians.

Cannabis:

• Urged the government to “step back, listen to Canadians, and rethink this poorly constructed legislation”. (Debate on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, November 24, 2017).

Genetically Modified Food:

• On March 10, 2017, spoke against Bill C-291, an Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, (genetically modified food) which would defined “genetically modified” and govern the labelling of genetically modified food. The Bill was defeated at Second Reading.

Mental Health:

• On June 13, 2018, delivered a Members’ Statement highlighting the need to end the stigma around men’s mental health.

Organ Donation:

• Supported Bill C-316, An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (Organ Donation) because “it would reach more Canadians, increase the number of donors, save taxpayers money and ultimately save more lives”. (Debate on Bill C-316, November 5, 2018).

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• Issued a press release on January 22, 2020, stating that “international cases of the virus are troubling to Canadians” and that the “federal government must make sure Canadians have timely and complete information. They also need to provide sufficient resources at Canadian ports of entry for screening, particularly at airports”.
• He went on to state that “Canadians expect their government to work in close collaboration” with PT and international partners.
• On January 22, tweeted that he spoke with the Minister of Health and that he was “pleased to see a timely and thorough response from the government and appreciate the collaborative and coordinated approach. I hope this virus can be swiftly contained and effectively treated”.
• On January 26, tweeted that “the NDP will cooperate in every way to help keep Canadians safe”.
• During Question Period, on January 30, 2020, asked the Minister of Health:
  • “When and how the evacuation from Canadians in China will unfold, given people infected with Coronavirus can be asymptomatic for two weeks?”
  • “In light of the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, what is the governments full plan to respond to the Coronavirus?”
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • How severe the virus was to those infected?
  • How long the incubation period was?
  • Asymptomatic transmission
  • Potential treatments
  • If other countries were quarantining passengers for 14 days?
  • Why Canada has been slow to evacuate its citizens? ^{Footnote *}
  • Protective measures in place for CBSA officers ^{Footnote *}
  • The support in place for Canadians that show symptoms ^{Footnote *}

Access to Clean Water

• During the study of Bill C-326 (An Act to Amend the Department of Health Act, drinking water guidelines), Davies pressed witnesses on “how much money would it take to make sure that all First Nations communities in this country have access to clean drinking water, and how much are we falling short of that now?” (HESA, March 26, 2018).

Autism

• Supported opposition motion regarding additional funding for autism: “Will the member stand in the House and vote in favour of this motion to actually provide $19 million for autism in this country, yes or no?” (House of Commons – May 18, 2017).

Blood & Organ Donation

• Supported Bill C-316 (An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ donors)) in the House of Commons: “I wish to conclude my remarks today by strongly encouraging all Canadians to register as organ donors and to discuss their wishes with their loved ones” (September 25, 2018).
• Presented petition 421-00823 calling on the Government to “adopt a science-based screening process for blood donors that does not discriminate on the basis of gender or sexual preference, and have Canada immediately defer this policy and change it so all people can donate blood, regardless of their sexual orientation” (House of Commons – October 26, 2016).
• Called on the Minister of Health to “stand up for safety in Canada's blood supply system” and close a private for-profit plasma clinic that had opened in Saskatchewan (House of Commons – February 18, 2016).

Breast Cancer

• Called on the Government to halt new breast cancer screening guidelines that advised against self-exams and “advise physicians not to follow them and launch a review under the direction of subject matter experts” (House of Commons – April 12, 2019).

Canada Food Guide

• During a HESA committee meeting suggested that the Canada Food Guide’s revisions would be sabotaged if industry marketing to children remained unaddressed. (December 12, 2017).

Cannabis:

• Called on the Government several times to grant amnesty to Canadians carrying unjust records for simple cannabis possession. (Question Period: June 14, 2018, May 30, 2019).
• Has called for medicinal cannabis to be treated similarly to prescription opioids: “Ironically, opioids are covered by most plans and are zero tax-rated exempt. Ironically, patients are incentivized to pursue a riskier option […] It's clearly a flawed policy to make medicinal cannabis more expensive than opioids” (December 7, 2017).
• Sponsored e-petition e-1528 to remove taxes from medically prescribed cannabis: “The petitioners call on the government to remove all taxes, the excise tax and the sales tax, on medical cannabis, as it does for all medicine in this country” (April 11, 2019).

Decriminalization

• Has pressed the topic of decriminalization of drugs on several occasions both during Committee meetings and in the House of Commons (December 10, 2018, June 20, 2018): “It is even more important that we ensure that Canadians, if they are going to be using drugs, which nobody supports and nobody is encouraging, at least have access to drugs in known quantity and known substance so at least they are not dying. That is what New Democrats are calling for.”

Dementia

• Spoke in support of Bill C-233 (An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias), in the House of Commons (April 5, 2016) to support the development of a “world-class dementia strategy”.

Dental & Eye Care:

• Presented petition 421-04054, calling on “the government to commit to acknowledging eye health and vision care as a growing public health issue and respond to it, particularly with respect to Canada's vulnerable populations, through the development of a national framework to promote eye health and vision care” (House of Commons - May 30, 2019).
• Was against Conservative opposition motion “That, given the average middle class Canadian is already overburdened with taxes, the House call on the government to abandon any plans it may have to in any way tax health and dental care plans” (House of Commons - February 2, 2017). “We will make sure that Canadians know that the Liberals are considering taxing their health care benefits, and we will stand in this House and fight tooth and nail against this ill-conceived policy that will not only hurt Canadians' health care but will take money out of the pockets of hard-working Canadians at a time when they can least afford it.”

Food Products & Labelling:

• Introduced Bill C-257, (An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (sugar content labelling)) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
• Introduced Bill C-446 (An Act to develop a national school food program for children) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.

Forced Sterilization:

• During a HESA Committee meeting (January 31, 2019), he stated that there is no question that forced sterilization is a form of torture. He believes that it is systemic racism, sexism, and colonialism. He believes that the federal government’s response has been weak and not many details are known.
• During a HESA Committee meeting (June 18, 2019), Davies pressed an RCMP officer witness on if “forced sterilizations could have taken place in areas of jurisdiction under which the RCMP had control?”, and highlighted the fact that he (Davies) wrote to the officer “back in February andpointed out that a class action lawsuit had been filed, at that time naming some 60 women as complainants and naming the federal government, regional health authorities and individual physicians over incidents of forced or coerced sterilization.”

Health Research

• Supported motion M-105 in the House of Commons (May 18, 2017) calling for $19 million in funding to “provide an authoritative access point for reliable data to inform policy development, funding decisions, and service delivery.”

Health Transfers:

• During a HESA Committee meeting, he questioned if B.C.'s First Nations Health Authority is effective in supporting Indigenous health: “Has this transfer or type of transfer of authority helped to support improved health and well-being for indigenous people and communities in that province? Is that a model you would suggest to us that might help in the transferring of authorities to First Nations communities?” (October 25, 2016).
• Has strongly advocated against health care cuts on multiple occasions in the House of Commons: “The Liberal campaign platform also promised that Liberals would discuss any cuts with the provinces, but instead, they are going to impose these cuts without any negotiating with the provinces, just like Mr. Harper” (September 26, 2016).

HIV/AIDS

• Has strongly advocated against funding cuts to HIV/AIDS initiatives: “Today, New Democrats call on the government to immediately reverse these funding cuts and expand the federal initiative on HIV/AIDS” (House of Commons – December 1, 2016).

Lyme Disease

• During a HESA Committee meeting (June 6, 2017), questioned if the Government is providing enough funding for Lyme disease, and spoke about the lack of leadership, patient input and divergent opinions in regards to this illness.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID):

• Questioned linking palliative care to physician-assisted death in order for the government to develop a comprehensive end-of-life care strategy: “I think the whole doctor-assisted, physician-assisted death debate offered an opportunity for us in Parliament and all Canadians to consider some of the very profoundly difficult questions that surround end-of-life care” (March 7, 2017).

Medical Devices

• Introduced Bill C-271 (An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (batteries for medical or assistive devices) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.

Mixed Alcoholic Beverages:

• Interventions made at HESA questioning industry stakeholders positions on mixed alcoholic beverages however no clear stance/opinion has been documented (September 5, 2018).

MSM

• During Question Period, asked the Government why it was discriminating against gay men who wish to donate blood. “How can the Liberals offer a sincere and meaningful apology to the LGBTQ community for past injustices when they are practising discrimination in the present?” (November 9, 2017).
• During a HESA Committee meeting (December 8, 2016), expressed concern over the different deferral policies between blood and plasma donations. Specifically, questioned why industry is permitted to remunerate individuals who make plasma donations and postulated that monetary compensation could cause potentials to lie.

Opioids and Drugs:

• Supported the filing of a civil lawsuit against drug companies to recoup the costs incurred by the province of B.C. in addressing the opioid crisis. Asked the Minister of Health if the Liberal government would join this class action against opioid manufacturers.
• Has pressured the Minister to consider decriminalization and regulation to ensure a safe supply of opioids: “It's plainly obvious that ensuring a safe supply would save lives. No less a figure than the president of the Canadian Medical Association is calling on Canadian politicians to have an “open and courageous” debate on decriminalization, yet you and the Prime Minister have explicitly ruled out any consideration of decriminalization and regulation” (December 6, 2018).
• During a HESA Committee meeting, emphasized concerns that there is a lack of proper treatment or detox facilities available to deal with substance abuse. He indicated that the Committee’s Report on the Opioid Crisis made three recommendations asking the Government to fund detox centres. Davies questioned how the Government’s new Drugs and Substances Strategy could be considered as being comprehensive when there is no funding for detox centres. (December 13, 2016).
• Pressed the Minister of Health during Question Period (December 8, 2016) to declare a national public health emergency: “Can the Minister tell us, what is she waiting for? Must more Canadians die?”
• Pressed the Government to declare a national public health emergency on fentanyl: “The Liberals claim that declaring a public health emergency is unnecessary, saying it would provide no additional levers for action. This is absolutely false”. (Question Period - December 10, 2018).

Palliative Care

• Supported Bill C-277 (An Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care in Canada) in the House of Commons: “We look forward to contributing to the framework development process and sincerely hope that it will provide the strongest possible palliative care strategy for every Canadian from coast to coast to coast.” (May 30, 2017).

Pharmacare

• “We have the Canada Health Act and we have Medicare in this country. If you think this is a tough issue, we got that in the 1960s. Is Pharmacare not just a natural measured extension of exactly the system that we have that has solved all of those problems? The federal government makes money available to the provinces, respecting provincial jurisdiction. The provinces have access to that money as long as they agree to respect the principles set out in the Canada Health Act” (September 27, 2016).
• Presented petition 421-03319, calling on “the Liberal government to lower prescription drug costs for all Canadians and work with the provinces to implement a universal, comprehensive and public pharmacare system” (House of Commons - March 19, 2019).
• Presented petition 421-03189, calling on “the government to immediatelyimplement public, comprehensive, universal Pharmacare” (February 5, 2019).
• Introduced Bill C-293 (An Act to amend the Department of Health Act (Advisory Committee) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
• Called on the Government to implement a National Pharmacare program: “Why are the Liberals doing big pharma's bidding and failing to lower the cost of medications for all Canadians?” (House of Commons - May 28, 2019).

Rare Diseases / Drug Access / SAP

• Questioned the effectiveness of the Special Access Program during a HESA Committee meeting, in this case particularly regarding the need for patients to reapply every 3 months for access to the drug “Cystagon”. During this discussion, Davies pressed Health Canada representatives on why this practice was being applied to patients who were seeing positive results with the drug. (October 30, 2018).
• During a HESA Committee meeting, Davies suggested that the rare disease issue was a perfect example of why a National Formulary was needed.  He then argued that to minimize the influence of lobbyists working for industry, decisions on whether to include drugs on the Formulary should reside with an independent commission. (October 4, 2018).

Tobacco

• Called for an amendment to Bill S-5 (An Act to Amend the Tobacco Act) to “prohibit promotions for all flavours that could be appealing to young people” (February 28, 2018).

Violence Against Healthcare Workers

• Introduced Bill C-434 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against a health care sector worker) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• Asked the government if it could update the House on its contingency plan for the Coronavirus outbreak, and outline its steps to contain the spread of the virus.  (January 27, 2019 – Question Period).
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • The potential of an outbreak in other countries
  • Repatriation of Canadians in China and the quarantine protocol for them
  • How long it takes to confirm a case?
  • Communication between the federal government and Quebec ^{Footnote *}
  • How many Quebecers were returning and contact tracing? ^{Footnote *}
  • The additional measures in place to protect staff ^{Footnote *}

Health Transfers:

• Introduced Bill C-300, An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act (Canada Health Transfer). Mr. Thériault noted upon its introduction that the Bill “seeks to set the minimum increase in Canadian health transfers at 6% annually, so that the federal government's reinvestment reaches 25% of the Quebec health care system's total spending, after which a review could be planned to align increases in transfer payments with the system's costs.” (June 17, 2016).
• Called on the Minister to “maintain the 6% transfer increase without conditions, as the Quebec National Assembly is unanimously calling for” (September 29, 2016 – Question Period).
• Described a decrease in health transfers as “a direct attack on the Quebec health system. There is less money for access to doctors, less money for nurses, and less money for care and surgical procedures.” (September 27, 2016 – Question Period).
• “Never has a government done so much so quickly to undermine the quality of care in Quebec. People are waiting 18 hours to see an emergency room doctor and six months for an appointment, yet the minister would have us believe that cuts will solve the problem.” (September 20, 2016 – Question Period).
• Repeatedly called on the Minister to “meet the unanimous demand from Quebec and the provinces for an increase in health transfers” while allowing Quebec the independence to manage its own healthcare system (December 6 and December 9, 2019 – Question Period).
• “I would like the government to maintain health transfer increases at 6%, let the provinces decide what the needs are, and raise that amount to 25%. That would be acceptable because Quebec is capable of managing its own health sector.” (January 26, 2016 – Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne).

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID):

• Proposed an amendment to Bill C-14 An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) which would have eliminated the notion of “natural death that is reasonably foreseeable”. He stated that it is “inhumane that a vulnerable and suffering person must go on a hunger strike to be eligible for medical assistance in dying. People who suffer deserve clear guidelines for effective end-of-life care” (May 30, 2019 – Press Release).
• Stated that Bill C-14 “would have been amended and considered unconstitutional. I imagine that is why the bill was never referred to the Supreme Court.” (June 16, 2016 – Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).).
• “Why is the Minister of Justice intent on withdrawing the right to self-determination from the most vulnerable people in society, the people suffering from a grievous and irremediable illness, disease, or disability that causes intolerable suffering?” (June 9, 2016 – Question Period).
• “Everyone thinks that the Quebec law has struck the proper balance. In terms of end-of-life care, it is good legislation and there has been a consensus about that for almost six years. However, that legislation does not resolve the problem of assisted suicide. This bill and this law do not currently apply to Kay Carter's situation. We must comply with the Supreme Court ruling, which contains criteria that differ from those found in the bill. It is too restrictive.” (May 17, 2016 - Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).).
• “I am talking about palliative care as it should be. That does not mean putting sick people in beds in hallways and leaving them to die. It means holistic care delivered by specially trained staff along with adequate pain management, which was not allowed sometimes. Patients were not receiving the dosage they needed because it was thought that a high dosage could cause death. Quebec has dealt with that. The province has a framework for palliative care as end-of-life care. Health care is under provincial jurisdiction, and Quebec is a leader on this. I think this bill needs an equivalency clause so that the federal law will not result in duplication, thereby changing the way Quebec's law works.” (May 3, 2016 - Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).).
• Stated that MAID should be a priority for this Parliament and that the BQ will collaborate to make the legislation work, this time. (December 12, 2019).

Mixed Alcoholic Beverages:

• Called on the Minister of Health to suspend the sale of highly sweetened, high-alcohol beverages while new regulations are drafted and put in place. (March 20, 2018 – Question Period).
• “…will the Minister of Health also consider banning the addition of guarana to these alcoholic drinks?” (March 19, 2018 – Question Period).

Opioids and Drugs:

• “…in a crisis as significant and unprecedented as the fentanyl and carfentanil crisis, the harm reduction approach, relatively speaking, has been much more effective than a coercive approach.” (May 15, 2017 - Debate on Bill C-37, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act).

Consumer Products:

• Tabled a petition calling on the “Minister of Health to make it mandatory to list ingredients on household products based on the listing regulations for cosmetics.” (June 9, 2017 – Petition 421-01483).

Cannabis:

• Supported the Government of Québec’s call for cannabis legalization to come into force on July 1, 2019 (October 18, 2018 – Question of Privilege).
• Questioned how cannabis legalization would “squeeze out organized crime” (November 21, 2017 – Debate on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act).

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• He has been referencing government updates on the coronavirus, and has retweeted all of Minister Hajdu’s statements on twitter. He did tweet his appreciation for Dr. Tam for taking the time to brief HESA.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • Canada’s approach to the Coronavirus in comparison to other countries
  • Canada-China collaboration on the Coronavirus outbreak
  • If the NML will continue to be needed for confirmation
  • Potential difficulties involved in the evacuation ^{Footnote *}

Autism:

• Asked the Government to “please update the House on the government actions to help those affected by the various forms of autism spectrum disorder?” (Question Period, March 29, 2018).

Epilepsy:

• Delivered Member’s Statements in support of Purple Day on March 26 and called for an increase in awareness and the reduction of stigma surrounding epilepsy. (March 26, 2018 and March 22, 2019).

Health Transfers:

• Highlighted importance of 2018 health investments in Nova Scotia: $130.8M for mental health, $157M for home care; $996 as part of the Canada Health Transfer (Debate on Budget 2018, March 20, 2018).
• Highlighted importance of 2016 Canada Health Transfer of $943M to Nova Scotia. (Debate on Budget 2016, April 12, 2016).

Mental Health:

• Asked the Minister of Health to “update the House on the progress she is making in working with the provinces and territories to ensure this new targeted mental health care spending is most effective?” (Question Period, May 18, 2017).

Mercury:

• Introduced Bill C-238, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for the safe and environmentally sound disposal of lamps containing mercury. This Bill provides for the development and implementation of a national strategy to promote the safe and environmentally sound disposal of lamps containing mercury.
• “While listening to testimony from indigenous witnesses at the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, I heard first-hand about the toxic effects of mercury on populations.” (Debate on Bill C-238, November 28, 2016).
• “Municipalities handle solid waste, the provinces issue the permits to handle that solid waste, and the federal government controls toxic chemicals. Out of respect for all levels of government, having this collaborative approach and putting people at the table to come up with a solution to this problem that all jurisdictions face is the proper way to go about handling this major problem.”  (Debate on Bill C-238, November 28, 2016).

Pharmacare:

• “I firmly believe that national pharmacare would save the Province of Nova Scotia a significant amount of money that could be used to improve health care services in our province. As members know, I am a strong supporter of national pharmacare and our government is taking crucial steps toward making this a reality. We believe that no one in Canada should have to choose between paying the rent or paying for the prescription drugs that they need.” (Debate on Bill C-97, Budget Implementation Act, April 11, 2019).
• “I am a strong supporter of the implementation of national pharmacare in Canada, and I know many Nova Scotians are counting on us to get this right. (…)I was happy to see that Budget 2018 proposed the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare in Canada.” (Debate on Budget 2018, March 20, 2018).

Sickle-Cell Anemia:

• Sponsored Bill S-211, An Act Respected National Sickle Cell Awareness Day which designated June 19 as “National Sickle Cell Awareness Day”.
• Noted that “putting more focus on sickle cell specifically would drive more research toward finding a cure.” (Debate on Bill S-211, October 27, 2017).
• “The number one thing we need to ensure is that we have newborn screening. It is absolutely important. When people are diagnosed with having the trait or having sickle cell disease, it is important to know from day one what kind of treatment plans are available. There are examples of young people being up to 20 years old before finding out they have sickle cell. They have gone through 20 years of excruciating pain. The way they manage their disease would be totally different if they were screened at birth and knew in advance.” (Debate on Bill S-211, October 27, 2017.

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• Since the initial briefing on the Coronavirus, he has been more active on social media, he has tweeted government information items regarding the Coronavirus. He specifically tweeted on the harm that the stigmatizing stereotypes and misinformation coming from the public reactions to the Coronavirus.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • The difference between confirmed and presumptive cases
  • The threshold to identify someone with the virus
  • What ‘low risk’ means?
  • How Canada is helping third-world countries? ^{Footnote *}
  • The potential of the travel advisory being activated to Level 4 ^{Footnote *}
  • If travellers have the right to refuse health screenings ^{Footnote *}

Pharmacare:

• Delivered a Member’s Statement on December 9, 2019, wherein he stated he was “ready to get to work with our Prime Minister and this government to take serious action on […] implementing a universal pharmacare plan”. (Question Period, December 9, 2019).

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• He has posted four Facebook statements concerning the coronavirus.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada is in close contact with the World Health Organization and other international partners, and Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer is in close contact with her provincial and territorial counterparts, monitoring the situation. Our top priority is the health and safety of all Canadians. We'll provide Canadians with new information as we know it. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond to the spread of severe infectious diseases into and within Canada.
  • The Province of Ontario has indicated that they have identified a case of the novel coronavirus. This individual has been isolated and is under care at a hospital. We are well-prepared to deal with this virus and have measures in place to detect it in Canada, and these measures are working.
  • Update: Coronavirus. The safety of Canadians is our utmost priority. The foreign affairs ministry has secured a plane that can transport Canadians who want to be repatriated to Canada from China- everyone who has requested consular assistance will receive it. The Transport ministry has been actively working with carriers and airports to protect the health and safety of Canadians and take every precaution. For instance, the government have put in place enhanced measures that instruct carriers to make announcements on board pre-landing, so passengers are aware of screening measures before landing.

• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • If the government was considering asking passengers arriving from the affected area to self-isolate
  • If the virus can be communicated when individual is asymptomatic
  • If the CBSA will extend their questioning to include all of China ^{Footnote *}
  • If the plane will be triaged according to risk ^{Footnote *}

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• She has been more active on Twitter since the initial briefing on the Coronavirus. She has been retweeting statements by Dr. Tam and Minister Hajdu, as well as sharing clips of her asking questions at committee.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus she has asked questions on the following:
  • How people could self-report?
  • What the protocol is when a passenger arrives and exhibiting symptoms?
  • How PHAC is handling the spread of misinformation?
  • Consular services for Canadians in China ^{Footnote *}
  • Steps taken to prevent discrimination and stigmatization ^{Footnote *}

Cancer:

• Asked the Minister of Health what the Government is doing to fight cancer (Question Period, February 4, 2019).

Diabetes:

• Introduced Motion M-173 to make November of every year, diabetes awareness month.
• Delivered a Member’s Statement on December 10, 2019, highlighting Diabetes Awareness Month and stating that by “working together we can defeat diabetes, improve the health of Canadians and save our health care system billions of dollars.”

Food:

• Supported Bill S-228 (The Child Protection Act). Stated on December 12, 2017, that “as chair of the all-party diabetes caucus, I know the importance of deterring unhealthy food choices in favour of a healthy, active lifestyle”.

Medical Assistance in Dying:

• On May 31, 2016, spoke in favour of Bill C-14. “The framework laid out in Bill C-14 provides a solid, focused and detailed plan, which will meet the June 6 deadline set out by the court. Permitting medical assistance in dying will extend more control to eligible terminally ill patients on how to live out their last days. This legislation also provides important safeguards and limitations.”

Organ / Tissue Donation:

• On April 8, 2019, delivered a Member’s Statement to raise awareness around bone marrow donation and to raise awareness for the worldwide bone marrow donor registry.

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• Since the initial briefing he has been more active on social media by sharing government items on the Coronavirus.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • How Canada would respond if the WHO declared a PHEIC?
  • The improvements made since SARS
  • How local areas would be designated for vaccination?
  • The presence of emergency exercises ^{Footnote *}
  • How planes were being disinfected after landing ^{Footnote *}

Healthcare Funding:

• When asked during an interview with Newmarket Today to explain his stance on healthcare issues, he stated:  “We don’t need to look too far to see what the impact of the cuts to health care has had here in Ontario […] I’ve been on the (Southlake) hospital board for the last nine years. I understand and genuinely believe that hospitals are working hard to be as efficient as possible, and when you cut back on hospital and medicare funding, you’re cutting into the bone, you’re not just cutting fat. That’s a concern of mine.” (Newmarket Today, September 26, 2019).

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• He only has one Facebook post on the matter and it was before the first reported case of the Coronavirus in Canada. MP Kitchen stated that he was encouraged to see that Canadian hospitals and airports are putting in place enhanced infection control measures and that the Conservative party expects the gov’t to take every precaution at all ports of entry to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Canada. He has since shared an infographic that has general information on the Coronavirus.

• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • Screening and quarantine protocols
  • The means of transmission
  • The risk of infection for other passengers
  • Border measures at land-based point of entry ^{Footnote *}
  • Disinfecting kiosks and planes ^{Footnote *}
  • If there would be a cost for those evacuating ^{Footnote *}

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):

• On March 23, 2017, spoke in support of Motion M-105 (Research and Awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Cancer:

• On February 2, 2018, delivered a Member’s Statement which highlighted the work done by 10 year-old Payton Sernick who is batting cancer and raised awareness and funds to fight the disease.

Cannabis:

• On June 1, 2017, during debate on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, stated that the full health effects of cannabis are unknown. He noted that cannabis users below the age of 25 are putting their brain health at risk and that Bill C-45 would make cannabis more accessible to youth. Raised health and safety risks associated with cannabis use in the workplace.
• On November 9, 2017, during debate on Bill C-45, raised concerns with the legalization of cannabis. He reiterated concerns with youth cannabis use and its effect on the developing brain.  He believes that the government is ignoring facts around cannabis and attempting to “appeal to a younger demographic in the hopes of winning they will win the next election”. He also raised concerns with respect to the marketing of cannabis products, stating, “cannabis will be allowed to have bright, flashy packaging, with no limitations on how it can be marketed”. Stated concerns around impaired driving and the lack of technology to test for cannabis-impaired drivers.

Medical Assistance in dying:

• On May 2, 2016, during debate on Bill C-14, stated that the legislation puts the on PT regulatory bodies on making MAID decisions. He believes that this will result in inconsistencies across the country.

Concussions:

• As Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Sports-Related Concussion of the Standing Committee on Health (HESA), Mr. Kitchen was an active participant in the study. Their report noted that “Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have provided funding for these activities, but more can be done. The recommendations in this report urge the federal government to maintain focus on this issue until a truly harmonized pan-Canadian approach to sports-related concussions has been implemented. By reducing the chance of concussion and improving the management of concussion, the Subcommittee believes that sports can be made safer.”

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• One of her constituent’s is currently isolated in Wuhan and is 35 weeks pregnant. MP Jansen posted a video of her skype call between her and the parents of lady isolated in Wuhan, and she expressed the urgency that is required to get their daughter to safety. The constituent was able to leave Wuhan through a British plane as of January 30th. On January 31st, she shared a skype conversation she had with three Canadian fathers who have families in China and were concerned over a lack of communication from the government.
• During Question Period, on January 28, 2020, asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
  • What is the government’s plan is to ensure the safety of Canadians stuck in Chinese cities under quarantine for the Coronavirus.
• During an interview with CPAC on January 28th, she cited her concerns with a lack communication between the government and the Canadians in Wuhan. She also mentioned that she is concerned with the pace of Canada’s reaction to the Coronavirus.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus she has asked questions on the following:
  • The Repatriation of Canadians in China
  • If protective gear will be provided to those on the flight ^{Footnote *}
  • If children returning will be asked to stay home from school ^{Footnote *}

Abortion Access:

• Active in the pro-life movement, and spoke at the 2018 March for Life at the B.C. legislature. (Global News, October 14, 2019).

Medical Assistance in Dying:

• During her speech at the 2018 March for Life, she likened medical assistance in dying at B.C. hospices to “death camps”. She is also quoted as saying: “When our dear ones are at their weakest and most vulnerable time of life they are encouraged by activist healthcare professionals to hasten death and ease everyone’s burden.” (Global News, October 14, 2019).
• At the 2018 March for Life, she also claimed that MAID is “completely contrary” to the world standard of palliative care. (Aldergrove Star, May 18, 2018).

Member’s Interests

Coronavirus:

• He has not posted anything concerning the coronavirus.
• During the HESA briefings on the Coronavirus he has asked questions on the following:
  • If the government was considering banning travel to China
  • If demographics were available concerning the outbreak
  • The domestic work being done on a vaccine

Cannabis:

• During debate on Bill C-45, raised concerns with allowing youth below 25 years of age, which is based on scientific evidence. He also called for greater investments in public education. He also questioned how legalization would be seen internationally. He asked the Minister how the legislation would deal with international obligations around drugs. (November 22, 2017).

Drug use and abuse:

• On February 14, 2017, during debate on Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, stated that “drug consumption sites do have some benefits. (…) In very few cases, they do facilitate a path to recovery. Let us not kid ourselves and believe that there is a lot of light at the end of this tunnel. These sites do help keep things like dirty needles out of our parks. They do make it cheaper for the health care system to monitor and save some addicts. They do not reduce the drug problem in Canada. They do not stop people from becoming addicts. They very seldom get addicts off drugs. These sites do not curtail the profits for organized crime. They are not a silver bullet. They are one very weak tool in our fight against addiction and its deadly toll.”

Lyme Disease:

• Delivered a Member’s Statement acknowledging the impact that lyme disease has on Canadians. He thanked the Lyme Disease Association of Alberta and caregivers for making recoveries possible. (October 19, 2016).
• Delivered another Member’s Statement calling the government’s actions on lyme disease as “scant, unfocused, and frankly, disappointing”. (May 31, 2017).

Medical Assistance in Dying:

• On May 3, 2016, during debate on Bill C-14, stated that he was a proponent of palliative care and noted that “we need to improve palliative care both for the patients and their families”. He stated his support for the bill because “it is a vote that recognizes that when it comes to something as personal and sensitive as death, it is better to have options available, even if we do not like them, even if we do not believe in them. It is better to have some legal framework than none at all.”

Organ Donation:

• Introduced Bill C-316, An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (Organ Donation), which would “authorize the Canada Revenue Agency to enter into an agreement with a province or a territory regarding the collection and disclosure of information required for establishing or maintaining an organ and tissue donor registry in the province or territory”. The Bill was passed by the House of Commons on December 12, 2018, but was never passed by the Senate in the 42nd Parliament. Mr. Webber is first on the Order of Precedence, and is expected to re-introduce this Bill in the 43rd Parliament.
• Supported Motion M-189 (Organ Donation). Stated on September 27, 2018, during its debate “… that in Canada, because organ and tissue donor registries are a provincial jurisdiction, we face some unique challenges in implementing change. That said, I also believe that where there is a will there is a way. I believe that Canada can move from being a country with one of the worst organ-
  donation rates in the world to one of the best.”