Thank you for your question.
Yes, I have experience with epidemics and pandemics. However, this is really our first time facing a pandemic of this magnitude on a global scale.
Could Canada have been better prepared? I think that there were some clear signs. I'm not privy to this kind of discussion in Canada. However, I wonder what Canada did to prepare for the global public health emergency announced on January 30, 2020. This issue must be reviewed in due course, once we get through this difficult time.
During a global public health emergency, preparedness mechanisms must be set in motion and a major analysis must be conducted.
I've participated in simulation scenarios before. I know that these scenarios are often created in an abstract way, without taking into account the ecosystem in which the pandemic takes place. I don't think that anyone could have predicted that the entire world would be hunting down N95 masks and personal protective equipment. Everyone was caught off guard. I think that this will be a major lesson.
Regarding borders, I think that the question is excellent. However, you should know that the World Health Organization's recommendations did not include closing borders. We can ask the WHO questions about how it guided our response to the pandemic. I think that there was a certain amount of complacency in some respects. People fell asleep at the switch. How will we respond next time?
I won't point the finger at Mr. Matthews, the third witness. I'm sure that he doesn't sleep at night in order to find protective equipment for all staff in Canada. I think that it will take a much quicker push to get things moving, to respond in a clear manner, and to use the authorities that have experience.
We have a great deal of knowledge in Canada. Several international organizations established in Canada have taken action during epidemics and pandemics in other parts of the world. They can share their knowledge. I don't think that we've used these organizations very effectively.
Yes, I think that we're behind. However, there are some mitigating facts. The WHO didn't send the right messages to make people understand that the situation was dangerous and that they should be properly prepared. The WHO recommended that the borders be left open, and this can be called into question. During the Ebola epidemic, we were told not to close the borders and not to quarantine people. At this time, we've done a 180-degree turn by closing the borders. The key strategy to avoid a peak of cases, which would completely overwhelm our health care systems, is physical distancing.
I think that we could have been better prepared. However, I also think that we're on a very steep learning curve.