The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector

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Foreword and Acknowledgements

The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector maps out how the health sector can prepare for and respond to pandemic influenza in Canada. It does so by outlining the actions that should be taken during each pandemic phase and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of those who would be involved in such a public health emergency – governments at all levels, public health officials and front-line health care workers. As a practical working tool, it also provides guidelines and checklists to assist various jurisdictions with their emergency planning.

Ongoing planning for the health sector response is expected to raise the overall level of preparedness to deal with pandemic influenza in Canada and to support a sustained state of readiness based on the latest knowledge. Ultimately it is expected that advanced planning in the health and other sectors will together minimize serious illness and overall deaths, in the event of an influenza pandemic, and also ease any social or economic disruption that might be caused by a massive outbreak of the disease. Canada has had a pandemic influenza plan since 1988, and it continues to evolve based on research, evidence and lessons learned.

The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector is the product of extensive dialogue and collaboration within the Pandemic Influenza Committee (PIC). Created in 2001, PIC consists of 15 voting members, including representatives from all provinces and territories. Expertise within PIC includes Chief Medical Officers of Health, epidemiologists, virologists, communicable disease specialists, clinical, public health and laboratory specialists and an ethicist.

Committee members, in turn, have been greatly assisted through a process of consultation with a wider group of stakeholders, including the health non-government organization community, local governments, emergency planners and bioethicists.

As Co-Chairs of the Pandemic Influenza Committee, it has been a continually enriching experience to watch the document evolve, and to see the sheer amount of time, dedication and commitment poured into the maintenance of the Plan. We would like to thank all of those whose contribution has helped to develop the plan and to keep it up to date.

Theresa Tam Director Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division Public Health Agency of Canada	Karen Grimsrud Deputy Provincial Health Officer Alberta Health and Wellness
December 2006

Pandemic Influenza Committee

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