QUESTION PERIOD — Health
COVID-19 Vaccine
February 9, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is also for the leader. Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out relies on vaccines manufactured in Europe, and, as we know, the EU did not exempt Canada from its recent vaccine export controls. It is a relief that the EU has not disrupted our supply so far, but Canada still has a long road ahead to get everyone vaccinated. A recent statement from the European Commission regarding its vaccine export control system said “. . . we will use it only in very limited cases.”
Leader, the Prime Minister and Minister Ng admit they did not press their European counterparts to have a written exemption for Canada. At the very least, did anyone in your government ask the European Commission for a written explanation of what these very limited cases might be?
Thank you for your question. The government has been in very close contact with its counterparts, both in the EU and its member states. I’ve been advised that in his conversations with his counterparts, the Prime Minister has been assured by the EU that the exportation mechanisms will not affect vaccine shipments to Canada.
That is the only information I have at this juncture. I think Canadians should have confidence that our relationships with the EU and its member states, long-standing as they are, will be successfully exploited to ensure that our deliveries are not compromised.
The Toronto Star reported yesterday that Canada’s supply from Moderna has been cut due to the EU’s export controls, creating problems for the company in terms of sourcing materials. If the story is correct, it would appear that Moderna supply disruptions could be more long-lasting than your government admits. Would you agree, senator? If so, why does Minister Anand claim the delays in vaccine shipments are largely behind us, as you claimed yesterday?
Thank you, senator. The disruptions to the Moderna supply chain are unfortunate and certainly beyond our control, but the minister is the one who is in touch with her counterparts, and she has stated that she believes that this will not have a negative effect, ultimately, on the shipments we should be getting each and every trimester.
