Front line workers must be included in pandemic preparedness

NUPGE Executive Board meets with senior official of Public Health Agency of Canada

Ottawa (20 Sept. 2006) - Dr. Arlene King, director general for pandemic preparedness at the Public Health Agency of Canada, met with NUPGE's National Executive Board in Ottawa Tuesday to discuss Canada's capacity to respond to a future influenza pandemic.

"An influenza pandemic constitutes one of the most serious threats over the next generation," says NUPGE national president James Clancy.

"It's critical that Canada does 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 to meet the public's need."

The meeting with King gave the union's leaders an opportunity to learn more about Canada's preparedness plan, and to ask questions to a leading Canadian expert on pandemic influenza.

"In large part, the effectiveness of any response will depend on an ability to communicate relevant information to Canadians, not just during a pandemic, but in advance of an outbreak," Clancy says.

"For example, our members on the front line of Canada's health care system have many questions related to the role of vaccines and anti-virals in controlling and preventing an influenza pandemic.

"They want assurances that 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. Dr. King provided us with excellent information on these issues and others," he adds.

"The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is very pleased to be working together with the Public Health Agency of Canada to bring reliable and relevant information to our members." NUPGE