Thank you.
I'm not going to belabour the point because, Nate, you've been very forthright. I want to thank you for that.
I just have to state again that what this country needs and what I think is required for public confidence is that there be a transparent, independent and comprehensive review of Canada's COVID-19 response. Nothing less than that will suffice. That's why the NDP has called for such an inquiry under the Inquiries Act.
We already have legislation that sets up a process for such an inquiry. It establishes an independent chair. It would empower the inquiry to subpoena witnesses, order the production of documents and hold evidence in public and under oath. It allows them to retain appropriate experts, including counsel and technical experts, to advise them.
To me, that's far beyond the scope of this bill. That's why only excising that part of the bill is acceptable.
I want to end on a positive. I think that the work you've done on the pandemic prevention and preparedness plan is superb.
You have other things to look at. You have requiring a plan to look at protection of vulnerable and marginalized populations, working conditions of essential workers, the availability and management of relevant stockpiles and protective equipment, and manufacturing capacity in Canada with respect to any product relevant to pandemic preparedness, including vaccines and PPE. It calls for us to look at antimicrobial resistance; disturbed habitats that could contribute to pandemic risk such as deforestation, encroachment on wildlife habitats etc.; measures to look at the impact of live animal markets; and the importance of global biodiversity. It calls on us to look at global health equity, co-operating with international organizations and even transport routes of pathogens.
I think it's a really comprehensive plan you've put forward. I'm going to support the second half of the bill. I'm curious to hear from other witnesses, if there are any.
I just want to tell you that I think you've done an excellent job in identifying the factors that ought to be looked at. If COVID taught us one thing, it's that PHAC was not able to deliver the mandate it was given. We would be remiss as parliamentarians if we didn't recognize that and come up with a new way of holding them accountable to make sure that, when the next pandemic comes—and I'm told it's not a matter of if but when—we are not caught flat-footed and that we learn from the lessons of COVID. I think the second half of your bill does that, Nate, so thank you.