QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Measles Elimination Status
November 20, 2025
Senator Moreau, last week, Canada officially lost its measles elimination status, a designation we’ve held since 1998. Canada lost the status because of sustained measles transmission in multiple provinces over the last 12 months.
Not only is measles one of the most contagious, infectious diseases ever known, but the measles vaccine is highly effective. As one Canadian immunologist said:
It should be a national embarrassment to join a list of countries whose public health systems have been torn apart by war or civil unrest, but the more immediate tragedy is that we will see more lost pregnancies, more premature babies and more children who won’t ever grow to their full potential due to the terrible and short and long-term effects of measles.
Senator Moreau, what specific actions is the federal government taking to address this serious threat to Canadians’ health and well-being?
This is a very important question. Thank you for raising it.
This is a concerning development and something the government is taking very seriously. In October 2025, health ministers from across the country were briefed on the status of measles in Canada, and they committed to working together in discussing coordinated action, including strategies to build trust through community engagement.
I have been informed that the Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with partners at all levels of government to respond to the measles outbreak and help Canada regain its measles elimination status.
I do want to take a moment to reiterate to Canadians that the science is clear: Vaccines are the best way to protect against measles and save lives, and it’s a responsibility that each and every one of us shares with the government.
Canada’s loss of measles elimination status should be a wake-up call to the gaps in our public health infrastructure. The current patchwork of paper and electronic records among provinces and territories places an unnecessary burden on parents. The Canadian Public Health Association states that the “. . . federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring that vaccination data is collected, shared, and used to protect . . .” health.
Senator Moreau, when will the government establish a national electronic immunization registry?
Thank you. I understand, senator, that earlier this year, health ministers agreed to continue to work to modernize the sharing of public health data among federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on a common approach to this work. This will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating Indigenous perspectives and enabling more timely and effective responses to public health challenges.
I agree with you that a modern public health information-sharing agreement is expected in 2026 with bilateral agreements to follow.
