In a series of papers published on Monday, July 24 in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), researchers have pointed out glaring weaknesses in Canada’s pandemic response. The papers, authored by leading clinicians and researchers representing 13 Canadian institutions, paint a grim picture of the country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in its long-term care homes, which led to an alarming number of deaths. Despite high vaccination rates, the researchers warn that Canada’s relative successes obscure the persisting geographical, social, and economic COVID inequities across the nation.
Patrick Fafard, Senior Investigator at the Global Strategy Lab, was sought out by the Toronto Star to provide his commentary on the BMJ series. While Fafard was not directly involved in the series, he referred to it as “an informed and eloquent call for a federal inquiry into the Canadian experience with the COVID-19 pandemic.” He strongly supports the need for a comprehensive inquiry to objectively evaluate the federal government’s COVID response.
Fafard emphasizes the importance of fostering an informed discussion about balancing individual rights with the collective effort required to combat infectious diseases effectively.
As the revelations from the BMJ papers resonate across the country, the call for a national COVID inquiry grows stronger, driven by the desire to learn from past mistakes, strengthen public health systems, and prevent future tragedies.
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