Canadian Response to a Pandemic

The Public Health Agency of Canada will determine when to declare a pandemic in Canada.

Experts believe that pandemic influenza could reach Canada within 3 months of being detected anywhere in the world. When a suspected pandemic strain emerges, WHO will provide Canada with an early warning so national vaccine production can begin.

Once the Public Health Agency of Canada declares a pandemic, the Federal government will be responsible for the nationwide coordination of the pandemic influenza response, including:

• Surveillance and tracking of the pandemic
• International liaison with other countries affected
• Coordination of the vaccine response within Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada, in partnership with the provinces and territories, established a Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan . The plan ensures appropriate steps are taken to protect Canadians, and that an influenza vaccine will be available to Canadians at the earliest possible time once one is produced.