Mr. Speaker, at this time the risk within Canada remains low, but we do need to be prepared.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Based on what is happening around the world, we are now preparing for a global spread of COVID-19. Our focus is now on limiting the impact within Canada.
We already have emergency response plans in place. We also have federal, provincial and territorial preparedness plans to respond to a pandemic situation.
Only the World Health Organization can declare an pandemic.