Thank you, Mr. Thériault.
Evidence of meeting #29 for Health in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was vaccines.
A video is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #29 for Health in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was vaccines.
A video is available from Parliament.
4 p.m.
Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works and Government Services
I did not request a scientific opinion.
4 p.m.
Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works and Government Services
That's not a question—
4 p.m.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Mr. Chair, we are having trouble understanding one another, in addition to the delays caused by the interpretation. I just need a bit more time.
Mr. Matthews, are you going to request a scientific opinion, yes or no?
4 p.m.
Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works and Government Services
All I can add is that the documentation related to the next version of the vaccine has to be submitted to Health Canada.
4 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Thériault.
Mr. Davies, go ahead. You have a minute and a half, and we'll give you a little extra time.
4 p.m.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Dr. Tam, one week ago you issued a statement that said the following:
The Government of Canada's longer-range forecast presentation on March 26th predicted a strong resurgence in the absence of enhanced public health and individual measures. Two weeks later, this strong resurgence is showing in national surveillance data we are seeing now. National case counts are plotting along the strong resurgence trajectory of the March 26th forecast. This clearly shows that we need stronger control to combat variants of concern that are driving rapid epidemic growth in many areas of the country, even as vaccine supply and programs continue to accelerate.
Dr. Tam, what specifically are those stronger control measures that we need to put into practice in this country?
4 p.m.
Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada
When the modelling was done, people were a bit concerned about that trajectory and were plotting against that.
The measures are to reduce social mixing through whichever means is appropriate for that community, and whether it's Toronto or whether it's Montreal it might be a bit different.
Some of those measures you've seen the provinces put together now in reducing workplace transmissions. Ontario has decided that people should follow essentially staying at home and mixing only with their household and going out only for essential activities. All those things are really important.
At the same time, I believe that outdoor spaces are safer and that you can go out more safely and keep healthy and physically active. It's also good for your mental health, particularly if you stick to your household, like in Ontario.
Those are the tried and true measures. They have worked. If you look at the United Kingdom and that massive spike, all those measures have helped them for sure.
4 p.m.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Doctor, we've been hearing those same measures from the beginning. We're in a third wave, and the numbers are higher than they've ever been. What is it that we have to do differently?
4 p.m.
Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada
The criticality of that modelling was that you can't relax. The provinces know how to clamp down on those cases. They've done it before.
However, you have to be really careful now, on the way down, not to relax them too quickly. Any relaxation must be done very thoughtfully and carefully, in stages. I think they are trying. It's the same measures but with less room for any stringency—.
4 p.m.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Do you think it is time to maybe look at interprovincial travel restrictions? I know Atlantic Canada had great success early on. Is it time for us to start looking at that?
4 p.m.
Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada
The Atlantic area and the territories have actually done this. As I've said, it is a provincial matter. I am happy to support those discussions with the other chief medical officers of health, but anything that reduces mobility, whether it's between regions of the province or between different provinces, can be considered by them.
I also know that it's easier said than done, because of the necessity of accessing essential services, for example, on either side of those borders. It's not for me to get into that space.
One actual message I put out there is that you should avoid non-essential or recreational or vacationing in another province right now. Of course, there are reactions to that, but that's what the chief medical officers have come down to, asking if I can please message this across the country. Now is not the time to go skiing in British Columbia. That is really important to follow as well.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Thank you for the extra time, Mr. Chair. I really appreciate that.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Davies, and thank you, Dr. Tam.
Thank you to all the witnesses. It is really appreciated that you could spend your time with us today and give us the advantage of your expertise and knowledge. Thank you for what you do on a day-by-day basis, 24-7.
If there is no further business, we are now adjourned.