QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Public Health Agency
February 12, 2026
Senator Moreau, according to recent reports and committee testimony in the other place, the Public Health Agency of Canada recently lost $20 million worth of specialty drugs because staff failed to ensure a freezer door was secure. Alarm systems, surveillance and daily inspections were apparently not in place, and no one has been held accountable.
Senator Moreau, Canadians expect prudent stewardship of public funds and assets. How can the government justify this level of mismanagement in one of the country’s most critical national stockpiles?
Well, I am not informed of the findings of the committee at the other place, senator, but I will certainly bring the question to the attention of the minister, and I will get back to you with a more precise answer than I can give you today.
The lack of accountability is deeply troubling. Despite this mismanagement of public funds and critical property, 116 of the 117 executives at the Public Health Agency received bonuses last year, averaging $18,000 each.
Senator Moreau, these discretionary bonuses should not be handed out automatically, particularly when the agency cannot properly manage one of Canada’s most important biosecurity assets. Why did only one of the —
Thank you, Senator MacDonald.
Senator MacDonald, thank you for the question. I would be very surprised if bonuses were given in an automatic manner. However, since you are asking the question and it is one of your premises, I will raise the question with the minister as well, and I will get back to you with an answer.
