Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity to appear before the committee today to discuss the documents tabled in Parliament on February 28 related to the termination of two scientists at the national microbiology laboratory in 2021.
This is a very important discussion. The mandate of the Public Health Agency is to promote and protect the health of Canadians, and the national microbiology lab is an essential tool in that work. During the COVID pandemic, the work of the lab in rapidly developing diagnostic tests, genomic sequencing, waste-water surveillance, modelling and research into medical countermeasures was critical to Canada's response then and also to our ability to face future health threats.
The Public Health Agency of Canada takes its accountability to Parliament and to Canadians very seriously. The agency has fully supported the work of a panel of arbiters in their deliberations to review the redactions in the package of documents tabled by the Minister of Health.
Every day our employees work with integrity to protect and promote the health of Canadians. We not only expect but also require our employees to abide by the code of conduct, as well as the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.
As the committee has heard from previous witnesses, the global threat environment is constantly evolving. Canada's excellence in research science is underpinned by collaboration. However, we know that science is also of interest to actors seeking economic and technological advantage.
Since these events took place, our security posture and policies have been strengthened and adapted. This cannot be a static effort. Processes have been put in place to ensure that our posture is continually reassessed, in line with the evolving risks, in order to ensure that we remain fully prepared to address them, not only now but also in the future.
The package of documents tabled in Parliament reflects the results of an administrative investigation initiated in 2019 into the activities and subsequent termination of employment of two scientists at PHAC's National Microbiology Lab. At that time, research security concerns were also referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation.
The investigation showed that the two individuals clearly failed to disclose and, in fact, took steps to conceal important information about their activities and affiliations from their employer, including their work with China. Their failure to follow security protocols and their failure to disclose their collaborations led to their suspension, the revocation of their security clearances and, ultimately, their dismissal. As of January 20, 2021, the two scientists were no longer employed by the Public Health Agency.
The NML has always operated as a secured facility. However, the administrative investigation initiated in 2019 highlighted that the policies and procedures in place at the time needed to be further strengthened, along with measures to ensure compliance and mitigate the risks posed by the current threat environment.
In response, the Public Health Agency of Canada has invested significant time and attention to ensure research and science policies have a renewed focus on security.
Specific physical, personnel, cyber and operational security measures have been updated, while also galvanizing an institutional culture that recognizes the responsibility to ensure full awareness and implementation of these measures in light of the important work of the NML and the ever-shifting threat landscape. This is consistent with efforts across the Government of Canada to support innovation and research while also protecting national security. The development by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada of national security guidelines for research partnerships and identification of sensitive research areas are recent examples of this work.
PHAC complies fully with biosecurity regulations, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and the transportation of dangerous goods program, and works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance. All international collaborations require review from a security perspective, and governance is in place to vet and approve new collaborations. This includes the mandatory use of material transfer agreements as well as formal agreements to structure collaborations—such as collaborative research agreements—and a strengthened policy on affiliations with academic, research and health care organizations as part of a suite of additional scientific integrity policies.
PHAC has established clear and regular training and communication on security and employee accountabilities.
The National Microbiology Lab has a renewed, proactive security posture that has reinforced the physical security of the building. Screening measures are strictly enforced for all staff and external visitors, including the requirement for visitors to be accompanied at all times and without exception.
The processes and policies that are in place will continue to be evaluated and enhanced with a view to continuously protecting the confidence and trust of Canadians in our work.
