Pandemic planning: how ready are Canada's governments?

'Our members on the front line of Canada's health care system have many questions.' - NUPGE president James Clancy

Ottawa (7 Dec. 2006) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has released a new report on pandemic planning in Canada.

The paper presents an overview of what Canadians need to know about the threats that pandemics pose and what governments in Canada are doing to prepare for them.

It also recommends actions that workers and their unions should take to ensure workplaces are as prepared as possible.

"An influenza pandemic constitutes one of the most serious threats over the next generation," says James Clancy, president of the 340,000-member National Union.

"It's critical that Canadian governments do the necessary planning to be prepared in the event of a major outbreak. The inclusion of front line workers and their unions in pandemic planning can only strengthen Canada's response," Clancy says.

Learning from SARS

"We know from the SARS crisis that the effectiveness of any response depends largely on an ability to communicate relevant information to Canadians and workers, not just during a pandemic, but in advance of an outbreak," he adds.

"Our members on the front line of Canada's health care system have many questions related to the purchase of personal protective equipment, such as the N95 respirator, and the role of vaccines and anti-virals in controlling and preventing a pandemic.

"They want assurances their governments are taking action to protect and prepare health care workers, so that health services will be available to Canadians during a time of heightened need. NUPGE will continue pushing governments to ensure there is adequate preparedness and protection of critical health and safety infrastructure and supplies,” Clancy says. NUPGE

More information:
National Union Report - Canadian Pandemic Planning