QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Investments in Health Care
April 28, 2026
This question is in reference to a statement that was made in The Hill Times by our own Senator Patterson. It is about the way in which human security is defined.
The health care system is key to Canada’s national defence. Canada is not adequately prepared for large-scale emergencies or conflicts. Hospitals should be ready to expand capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious gaps. For years now, Canadian health agencies have needed funding for hospital surge capacity and infrastructure.
Senator Moreau, does this majority government have a plan? Is there funding for surge capacity in crucial agencies and other gaps?
The government is working as a team to make sure that we can deal with any emergency that the country is facing. For example, at this time of the year, we are working hard on flooding across the country — in Manitoba, Ontario, everywhere. We are working on flood prevention and wildfire prevention as well.
The government is aware. We had Minister Anandasangaree here last week, if I recall correctly. I know that he is working hard to ensure that we are aware of every emergency that could occur in the country. COVID-19 was a big reminder that we always have to be ready.
We learned a lot from COVID-19. Given that Canada still relies heavily on foreign sources for essential medical supplies, leaving us vulnerable to shortages in times of crisis, what is the government doing to strengthen domestic production and protect our health care supply chains?
This morning, I was with the Auditor General, and we were discussing what had been done with the bird flu and the vaccine stock. I know that she is working very closely with the government to make sure that those things are taken into consideration so that we have a sufficient stock of vaccines at the proper time if and when we need it.
