Health Committee on June 22nd, 2020

[The Chair, Liberal, Ron McKinnon]

I call this meeting to order.

Welcome, everyone, to meeting number 29 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Pursuant to the order of reference of May 26, 2020, the committee is resuming its briefing on the Canadian response to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow.

Interpretation in this video conference will work very much like in a regular committee meeting. At the bottom of your screen, you have the choice of floor, English or French. As you are speaking, if you plan to alternate from one language to the other, you will need to also switch the interpretation channel so that it aligns with the language you are speaking. You may want to allow for a short pause when switching languages.

Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name, except during questions. The questioners will indicate to whom a given question is directed. When you are ready to speak, you can click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. I remind you that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair, and that when you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute.

I'd like to welcome our first panel of witnesses.

We have, from Transport Canada, Mr. Kevin Brosseau, assistant deputy minister, safety and security; Mr. Lawrence Hanson, assistant deputy minister, policy; Ms. Wendy Nixon, director general, aviation security; and, Mr. Nicholas Robinson, director general, civil aviation.

We will go now to statements from the panel.

Transport Canada, you have a 10-minute statement. Please go ahead.

[Kevin Brosseau, Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security, Department of Transport]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you to the committee for inviting us here today.

I'd like to begin by recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented global crisis that is significantly impacting all aspects of the Canadian transportation industry—travellers, shippers and our economy. During these times, Transport Canada's highest priority is the safety and security of Canadians and the transportation system. This means protecting passenger and crew health and safety as well as ensuring the continued flow of the food and supplies that Canadians need to remain healthy.

That is why, since the earliest stages of the pandemic, Transport Canada has worked hard to introduce a range of layered measures, guidance and requirements to ensure that transportation operations remain safe for workers and passengers. The department's work is informed by the latest science and data as well as the guidance of public health officials and agencies. The Minister of Transport has also exercised his authority to enact measures under several pieces of legislation, including the Canada Marine Act, the Aeronautics Act and the Canada Shipping Act, in the face of this extraordinary situation.

I would like to outline some of the actions taken to date.

The close confines of cruise ships were identified early on as high-risk for spread of the disease. On March 13 the minister announced that the Government of Canada intended to postpone the start of the cruise ship season until at least the end of October. In addition, he also prohibited all Canadian Arctic stops for the entire season.

Even as the government restricted non-essential travel, we worked to help keep the air and marine sectors moving safely and to ensure that supply chains were not disrupted. That is why the government announced, on March 16 and 17, general extensions for some marine personnel certificates and aviation medical certificates.

On March 17 the minister also issued an interim order requiring Canadian air operators to conduct a health check of all air passengers travelling to Canada from international locations. Operators must now deny boarding to any traveller with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of citizenship. That same day, the minister waived the requirement for ferry operators to make passengers leave their vehicles while on board during the crisis. In the interest of promoting physical distancing, passengers are now allowed to remain in their cars as long as operators put extra safety precautions in place.

Since March 18, all international flights have been directed to only four Canadians airports— Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver—to consolidate available resources for checking international passengers.

On March 19 the Minister of Transport issued an exemption for marine crews entering Canada, deeming them essential. This exemption ensures that food, medicine and other essential products continue to arrive safely at our ports.

On March 21 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada was working with Canadian airlines and foreign governments to provide access to commercial flights for thousands of Canadian travellers who wanted to return home and were faced with challenging circumstances abroad. We also worked with Canadian airlines to ensure that stranded Canadians were offered a reasonable commercial price for return tickets home.

In late March the Minister of Transport took a further step to contain the spread of the virus by requiring all air operators and intercity passenger rail companies to conduct a health check of travellers. They must perform this check on travellers before they board a flight or intercity train in Canada and deny boarding to those with visible signs of the illness.

In early April Transport Canada introduced guidelines to help keep commercial vehicle drivers safe as they carry out their essential work. The department worked with other federal departments, industry representatives and unions to develop the guidelines. A few days later, the department issued guidance allowing commercial drivers to move freely across provincial and territorial borders.

On April 5 several mandatory requirements for commercial marine vessels carrying more than 12 passengers were introduced. Among other changes, these operators were prohibited from engaging in non-essential activities, such as tourism or recreation, and these measures were updated at the end of May. The minister also prohibited Canadian cruise ships from mooring, navigating or transiting in Canadian Arctic waters. Any foreign passenger vessel wishing to enter Canadian Arctic waters must first obtain permission and agree to conditions to protect marine personnel and local communities.

Under these changes, ferries and other essential passenger vessels can continue to operate, but at half their maximum capacity, or introduce other practices that align with Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

This could include keeping people in their vehicles, when feasible, or enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.

In addition, to better protect employees and passengers, Transport Canada issued guidelines to ferry operators similar to those for air and intercity rail passengers. Ferry operators must now screen passengers for signs of COVID-19 before boarding, and deny boarding to anybody showing signs of the illness.

As I mentioned, the safety and security of Canadians and the transportation system remain our top priority. That’s why, effective April 20, it was announced that all air travellers must wear a non-medical mask or face covering over their mouth and nose when going through security, when boarding and when on the plane when physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained. Air passengers on flights to or from Canadian airports must show that they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering at boarding or they will not be allowed to board the plane. In addition, we have encouraged anyone travelling by train, boat, bus or ferry to also wear face coverings whenever possible.

Furthermore, the operators of ferries and essential passenger vessels now provide public messaging to travellers about the need for a face covering during their journey. The messaging stresses the need for passengers to use them to cover their mouth and nose when they cannot maintain physical distance from others.

In May, the Minister of Transport extended the prohibition of cruise ships with overnight accommodations for more than 100 people until October 31, 2020. Those with no overnight accommodations, and those that carry fewer than 100 people overnight, are deferred until at least July 1 of this year.

Earlier this month, the minister announced the expansion of the requirements for the use of face coverings for workers and others involved in the transportation sector. Also, as of the end of June, air operators will be required to conduct temperature screenings at the point of departure for all passengers on international flights entering Canada. This will apply regardless of a passenger's point of origin.

By the end of July, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority will also be responsible for screening passengers’ temperatures as part of the departure procedures for domestic, transborder and international flights. It will also check the temperatures of airport and aviation personnel before they enter the restricted areas of airports, to help maintain a healthy and safe space for travellers and workers alike.

We acknowledge that the transportation system is vital for the restart of our economy and for our quality of life. It is vital for our safety and security. As the situation continues to evolve, Transport Canada is working closely with other levels of government and with senior transportation sector representatives to tailor our approach to protecting Canadians. We communicate daily with representatives from across federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, from the private sector and labour organizations and from indigenous communities.

On behalf of Transport Canada, I'd like to take a moment to recognize and thank workers across the transportation sector. In the face of challenges, they are keeping people and goods moving, ensuring that our country remains safe for all of us. Transport Canada employees, such as on-the-ground inspectors and many others, are so very critical for getting supplies to people and sustaining the Canadian economy. We appreciate all of their efforts as they continue to work with us and for Canadians.

My colleagues and I would be happy to answer any of your questions.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ron McKinnon]

Thank you, Mr. Brosseau.

Now we will start our rounds of questions. We will do two rounds of questioning, starting with Mr. Doherty.

Mr. Doherty, please go ahead. You have six minutes.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you to our guests for being here today. Wherever possible, please keep your answers brief, as we have a lot of questions to go through. I do appreciate you all being here today.

Mr. Brosseau, in Canada's early response to the COVID pandemic, how reliant was Canada on the advice, recommendation or direction from the World Health Organization?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Canada relied significantly on advice from a number of organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and others. The WHO no doubt factored prominently into our conversations with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

In the advisory issued on January 24, the WHO advised countries to implement temperature screening at first ports of entry and focus on early screening at first ports of entry. They said, “The risk of importation of the disease may be reduced if temperature screening” is implemented at the first port of entry and is “associated with early detection of symptomatic passengers and their referral for medical follow up.”

Why is it, then, that Canada refused to actually implement temperature screening at this point and waited months to implement that emergency measure?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Mr. Chair, that question also would be, I think, relevant to the Public Health Agency of Canada. As the science and the evidence evolved over time, we believed that taking the measure when we did was appropriate for the aviation sector at that time.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Chair, through you, would Mr. Brosseau be able to table with this committee at his earliest convenience any science or relevant reports that show that temperature screening was effective and when Transport Canada received that?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Yes.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Thank you.

Mr. Brosseau, looking back, would you agree that our borders should have been closed earlier than March 18? Yes or no.

[Kevin Brosseau]

My personal opinion, Mr. Chair, is less relevant. I'm not responsible for opening or closing the borders.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Given the knowledge that we had at that time, countries that were closer to the epicentre of the disease—South Korea, Japan, Taiwan—took more extreme measures in the month of January and subsequently have weathered the COVID storm better than Canada. Would you not agree with me that if Canada had taken more extreme measures at that time, Canada may have fared better?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Transport Canada, Mr. Chair, took a number of measures. I outlined a number of them in terms of the border. I would suggest that question be better directed to another government department.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Chair, Conservatives have raised the issue of temperature checks at airports numerous times. Until recently, the Liberals dismissed our concerns. They insisted they supported the science. On June 12, Transport Canada totally reversed its position. It will now implement temperature screening at the airports. Not only that, but it has asked front-line personnel throughout our aviation sector to all don masks. At any point has the Government of Canada provided this PPE or any of the medical devices, testing devices, for aviation partners?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Mr. Chair, personal protective equipment has been provided across various sectors when companies have requested it. In terms of the other devices, Mr. Chair, I don't believe that's the case, but let me turn it over to any of my colleagues who may have a more precise answer, if that's okay.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ron McKinnon]

Go ahead.

There seems to be no response.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

All right, we'll go on to the next question.

Mr. Chair, through you to Mr. Brosseau and anybody on the panel who wants to chime in, last week the minister appeared at transport committee. Our colleague asked the question, “Minister, would I be more or less likely to acquire COVID-19 at Pearson airport or Union Station, in your opinion?” The minister then went on to say, in his opinion, that the whole process of flying, from arriving at and going through the airport, checking in, boarding the flight and then picking up the bags, was a greater risk to the public than travelling through Union Station.

Mr. Brosseau, does the department share the minister's opinion on that?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Mr. Chair, I don't have the minister's direct quote, but let me say that it's important to note that the aviation industry is already heavily regulated in Canada to ensure the strongest safety measures have been put in in order to protect travelling Canadians. We've put in additional measures. Many I've identified, including pre-boarding health checks and visual inspections of passengers for symptoms. The industry has also taken significant action as well. The measures are aligned with international advice and practices that have been recommended as the pandemic has evolved, including the recommendations by the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The measures in place offer comparable or better protection to doing any other activity outside of the home. I think the risk is diminished with air travel, as adhering to these measures is compulsory.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ron McKinnon]

Thank you.

We go now to Mr. Fisher for six minutes.

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much to the officials here from Transport Canada today.

Can anyone on the panel tell me how your department has engaged with the airline industry on the restrictions and the guidelines the department has put out?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Mr. Chair, I'll start with that answer, and then any of my colleagues may wish to provide additional information.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have made stakeholder engagement a critical component of our response strategy. Along with the minister, Transport Canada officials have made this a number one priority to ensure we are hearing directly from those in the industry and those who are most impacted by this pandemic. In doing so, we have created a robust engagement strategy that is connected with all parts of the industry.

I'll speak to a few of them for a second. We have created a forum of senior officials from major airlines and major airports to discuss the most pressing concerns related to the restart of the industry. We have co-chaired an air consultative committee that includes members from the federal government, major industry associations including the National Airlines Council of Canada, the Air Transport Association of Canada, the Northern Air Transport Association and a variety of operators, and by operators, I mean airlines and airports.

This group has been examining various aspects of the aviation industry that we need to make changes to or improve to ensure the restart of the industry is as safe as possible.

We have used our existing regulatory forums like the Canadian aviation regulation advisory council, or CARAC, to distribute almost daily messages on the actions that Transport Canada has taken to support the industry. This council has an open membership including many industry associations and a variety of operators and unions representing aviation workers. We have also established several special COVID consultative mechanisms that have been stood up to engage industry in response to COVID-19. They cover a full range of operators, both domestic and foreign airlines, and airports and unions representing the aviation workers, for example, flight attendants, pilots and CATSA screeners. All these engagements with the industry partners take place on a weekly basis right now, but we were meeting more frequently at the beginning of this crisis. They have been instrumental in the development of a dozen or so measures we have put in place in the air sector to ensure it can operate safely.

The minister and Transport Canada are also continuing extensive bilateral engagement on an ongoing basis with key aviation partners in all regions in Canada.

This work has been essential to ensure the actions that have been taken to assist the industry as well as hear directly from stakeholders on the ongoing and emerging challenges of the pandemic.

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

We talk about how COVID-19 has been evolving, and the knowledge of how it's been evolving.

What do we now know about the role of air travel in spreading COVID?

[Kevin Brosseau]

Mr. Chair, we know that aviation networks can play a role in the global importation of emerging infectious diseases. For the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, 24 countries had officially reported cases by the first week of February 2020. The first cases in these countries all had travel history. With this information, Transport Canada has worked with the aviation industry to implement one of the strongest public health and safety responses to COVID-19 in the global aviation industry.

It's important to note that this industry is already heavily regulated in Canada to ensure the strongest safety measures to protect travelling Canadians.

And as I've mentioned, we have put additional measures in place, including pre-boarding health checks and visual inspection. We were the first country to make face coverings mandatory in the aviation industry through regulation. We are also implementing temperature screening for outbound and inbound passengers in Canada.

We continue to work with the industry to implement additional measures to reduce the risk of the Canadian aviation industry becoming a vector for the virus.

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

You talked about data and science in your opening remarks. How have the things Transport Canada has done been based on science and data?

We hear an awful lot of people talk about this country or this state did this or that. How much of your response is based on what other countries may or may not do?

[Kevin Brosseau]

I would say that the global best practices that are under way have a significant impact on shaping our Canadian response. For the aviation sector in particular, the best practices that have been identified through either the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or the International Civil Aviation Organization have played a significant role in creating a baseline through which our measures can be assessed and implemented.