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| SARS forced suspension of food safety and immunization programs: document | Jun. 12, 2003 |
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| Provided by: Canadian Press | |
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TORONTO (CP) - The SARS outbreak forced public health
units to scrap compulsory programs like food safety and
immunization tracking, says a document presented to the
cabinet of Ontario's Conservative government earlier
this year.
"Public health programs across the province do not have staff in place to provide programs mandatory under the Health Promotion and Protection Act," reads the document, a "plan of action" for SARS and infectious disease control. "All food safety, immunization tracking and health (sic) babies programs have been suspended." Even prior to the SARS outbreak, public health units have complained that provincial downloading has left them badly underfunded. The document, a presentation to cabinet by the Health Ministry, is dated April 29. A Health Ministry spokesman was not immediately available to comment on whether the programs are back on track. The document also provides insight into the government's efforts to "protect and enhance Ontario's reputation" during the outbreak. Under the heading Key Messages, the document states: "Health-care workers are the true heroes, they have worked diligently and professionally to keep us all safe." Premier Ernie Eves and Health Minister Tony Clement have repeatedly stressed those messages throughout the crisis. |
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