They could fund it, but there is not really any leadership in the infectious disease field or in public health. It is important to remember that health is under provincial jurisdiction. But when it comes to public health, the provinces cannot work in isolation. The threat of a pandemic, West Nile and SARS have shown that viruses and bacteria can travel. This is not like a scan in the hospital where the provincial health minister decides that it is under his jurisdiction. Public health is the responsibility not only of the provinces but also of the federal government.
On October 7th, 2009. See this statement in context.