QUESTION PERIOD — Public Services and Procurement
COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement
February 11, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate.
Canada’s performance on COVID-19 vaccine delivery in comparison to other countries has dropped sharply and continues to fall. Yesterday, about 30,000 Canadians were vaccinated, while 1.56 million Americans received their first dose.
On February 3, the federal government removed the delivery schedule for the Moderna vaccine shipments from Health Canada’s website, but I read there will be a shipment of 168,000 doses the week of February 22, as announced by General Fortin. This is less than was expected.
Has the Prime Minister spoken with the CEO of Moderna this week to understand whether or not we will be getting what we need and that the shipment will not be reduced going forward, just to have that communication to ensure Canadians can receive what we need in this country? This is a very urgent matter, so would you confirm the Prime Minister’s communication with the company?
Thank you for the question. I’ll be brief in my answer. The government’s position remains that it is on track to deliver — and that companies are on track to deliver — the number of doses as promised.
I cannot confirm that the Prime Minister has spoken to the CEO, but I want this chamber to appreciate that, though we focus on the Prime Minister, it is the Minister of Procurement who, day in and day out, has the primary responsibility — which she is discharging in an exemplary fashion — to be in touch with all stakeholders, suppliers and counterparts in other jurisdictions to ensure that Canada and Canadians will be well protected.
There are times, to be sure, when the Prime Minister intervenes with his counterparts, but it’s important for the chamber and for Canadians to know that the Minister of Procurement, Minister Anand, is working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and doing an exemplary job in helping us secure what we need.
I’m not questioning whether the minister is making her best efforts. I do continue to see online and on social media that Canada’s ranking continues to fall.
The Prime Minister is the leader of our country. There must be incredible demand, and it is important for the leader to be the voice and to intervene on behalf of Canadians. Will the Prime Minister do so going forward on all of these matters?
Thank you for your question. The Prime Minister is indeed the first minister in the government and believes significantly in empowering his ministers and has confidence in his ministers, including Minister Anand. The Prime Minister will intervene when he believes it’s necessary but, in this particular case, I don’t have any information as to what his plans are vis-à-vis Moderna.
I can reassure this chamber that the government is in regular contact with its suppliers and doing everything it can to secure a supply for Canadians.
