New report reviews Canada’s research response to health emergencies
10 October 2024
Canada must act now to be prepared for the next public health emergency, recommends a new report on the federal approach to pandemic science advice and research coordination.
At the request of Health Canada, an independent expert panel consulted more than 300 individuals and reviewed relevant national and international literature on research coordination in emergencies. The panel’s report reviews lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations to strengthen Canada’s readiness for future health emergencies.
Major recommendations include:
- the urgent need to improve and sustain readiness in advance of the next emergency
- greater pan-Canadian coordination of research and science advice
- greater focus on equity and addressing social and structural determinants of health
- embedding Indigenous health expertise in research coordination and science advice processes
Michael Smith Health Research BC is proud to support this important dialogue through the participation of President & CEO Dr. Bev Holmes on the expert panel. This work aligns with our strategic focus on strengthening the health research system and improving the research response to public health emergencies.
We are also grateful to our health research community colleagues in BC and across the country who gave their time to participate in the consultation.
