Canada’s top science adviser is recommending that the Canadian government conduct a thorough review of its handling of the COVID-19 crisis to enhance the nation’s readiness for future health emergencies. Mona Nemer stressed the importance of acknowledging and understanding people’s various reactions to the pandemic’s impact, whether due to economic losses, personal tragedies, or disruptions in education.

Nemer emphasized the need for a focused and non-political reflection process that addresses specific questions to avoid prolonged discussions that may fade from memory. She highlighted the importance of contextualizing discussions, particularly around vaccine-related controversies, to appreciate the life-saving impact of vaccines amidst the challenges faced during the pandemic.

In response to Conservative MP Dean Allison’s upcoming inquiry into COVID-19 vaccine-related injuries, Nemer reiterated the importance of listening to individuals’ health concerns with compassion and respect. She underlined the decline in public trust towards government and science, emphasizing the significance of addressing misunderstandings and diverse perspectives to rebuild trust.

Expressing concerns about the global response to infectious diseases like Ebola, Nemer criticized the delayed diagnostics readiness worsening the containment of the Ebola outbreak. She emphasized the need for integrating pandemic preparedness into routine health services and maintaining vigilance against emerging threats like Ebola, poxviruses, and bird flu.

Nemer underscored the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for proactive preparation for future health crises during peacetime to build public trust and readiness. She acknowledged the weariness from ongoing health challenges but stressed the necessity of continuous preparedness to effectively combat future outbreaks.