Sharon Straus and colleagues argue that residents, families, and staff in long term care homes in Canada were failed by governments during the pandemic and need coordinated efforts across federal, provincial, and territorial governments to safeguard these populations
### Key messages
People living and working in long term care homes (LTCHs) (box 1) in Canada mostly older adults were disproportionately affected by covid-19.1 LTCH residents accounted for 3% of covid cases in Canada and 43% of related deaths by December 2021, among the highest proportion of LTCH covid-19 deaths worldwide.12 LTCH residents were prioritised for the covid-19 vaccine rollout and by 15 March 2021 95% had received their first dose.1 Outbreaks and deaths declined but continued; more LTCH outbreaks occurred in 2022 than in 2020 and 2021 combined as vaccination booster uptake varied.3 In 2022 covid-19 was the leading cause of hospital admissions of older adults in Canada.4 Compared with before the pandemic, LTC
Data was not shared consistently between all levels of government during the crisis; a public inquiry should be called to address public health data issues
The shuffle is set to be unveiled Wednesday, and is seen by political insiders as a refresh for the Liberals, facing challenges from Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives
Tania Bubela and colleagues examine how fragmented responsibilities and accountability for public health data hindered Canada’s pandemic response
Canada’s public health system was reformed after its 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which was the worst outside of Asia with 438 cases and 44 deaths.1 Ensuing national and provincial inquiries led to the creation of the national Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to coordinate Canada’s preparation for and response to public health threats.2 Subnational public health agencies were also created or strengthened to function as regional centres for disease control.1 These actions should have put Canada in a good position to respond to the covid-19 pandemic.34
Despite these reforms, Canada experienced serious failures during the covid-19 pandemic failures. Memories faded rapidly after SARS, and if history is not to repeat itself, government and health system leaders must strengthen the country’s public health a