Federal Government Launches New Pandemic Preparedness Agency — “Health Emergency Readiness Canada”
New agency will provide sustained focus on growing innovation and industrial capacity in the life sciences and biomanufacturing sector to to strengthen Canada’s preparedness for future health emergencies
On Sept. 24, 2024, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, jointly announced the launch of Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC), a new federal organization within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada dedicated to protecting Canadians against future pandemics and delivering on Canada’s life sciences and medical countermeasures readiness objectives.
HERC will be a central body coordinating Canada’s response to health emergencies by working with industry and academic partners, as well as international bodies.
While this may seem like a positive step, Canadians who value health sovereignty and freedom should take note. Centralizing decision-making and mobilizing industry through government-led initiatives may lead to :
- Increased government control over healthcare responses, potentially limiting personal health choices.
- Reduced transparency and the potential for rushed decisions on vaccines and therapeutics without robust public debate.
- Concerns about industrial partnerships shaping future health policies, favouring corporate interests over individual rights.
This development highlights the importance of staying informed and advocating for the protection of personal health freedoms.