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e-4040 (Health)

E-petition
Initiated by Eric Marney from Blackfalds, Alberta

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

Whereas:
  • We want the Government to commit to not signing any international treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness established by the World Health Organization (WHO), unless this is approved through a public referendum;
  • The World Health Organization is currently preparing an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response;
  • We believe the public must be furnished with the full ramifications of what and how any pandemic treaty could affect them, and be given a public vote on whether Canada should sign up, before the Canadian government signs up to this;
  • Too many decisions have been made over the past 30 months regarding COVID 19 response with no interaction or consultation with Canadian citizens;
  • One side of the issue has been suppressed on purpose and decisions have been made which have been detrimental to our health and well-being with no debate; and
  • We do not believe the Liberal government has our best interests in mind.
We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens, call upon the House of Commons to not sign any WHO Pandemic Treaty unless it is approved via public referendum.

Response by the Minister of Health

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van Koeverden

Protecting the health and safety of all Canadians is a top priority of the Government of Canada. COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to take bold action to ensure we are better prepared for the next pandemic, which is why Canada is working closely with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the global community to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. This includes actively participating in the development of a pandemic instrument and the IHR (2005) amendment process. The final outcomes of both processes are expected to be presented at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024 for consideration and potential adoption.

The development of the pandemic instrument is intended to improve global cooperation, strengthen collective action and accountability and address gaps in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. More information on Canada’s role in the development of the pandemic instrument can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/emergency-preparedness-response/canada-role-international-pandemic-instrument.html.

When negotiating a new international instrument or amendments to existing instruments, the Government of Canada always carefully considers its potential impact on Canada’s domestic laws and policies. Evidence-informed decision-making and respect for national contexts are important principles for Canada. Canada will remain in control of any future domestic decisions about national restrictions or other measures related to pandemics.

Canada is committed to transparently and inclusively engaging stakeholders in the pandemic instrument development process, including civil society, academics, Indigenous partners, the private sector, and provincial and territorial partners, with a view of advancing Canadian values and priorities. To date, Canada’s engagement has included a two-day hybrid consultation, virtual meetings, and written correspondence, which continue to inform the development of Canada’s positions. We have also encouraged stakeholders to participate in the WHO’s public consultations on the development of a pandemic instrument.

Open for signature
June 15, 2022, at 2:20 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
August 14, 2022, at 2:20 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe)
March 28, 2023 (Petition No. 441-01208)
Government response tabled
May 11, 2023
Photo - Blaine Calkins
Red Deer—Lacombe
Conservative Caucus
Alberta