"Who's Running the Country"

April 30, 2003

 Leadership is truly tested during a crisis and, once again, the federal Liberal government has failed miserably.  This time the Prime Minister and his cabinet have not simply fumbled, but have been virtually invisible throughout the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in Toronto. 

Last week’s advisory by the World Health Organization (WHO), warning the world against travel to Toronto due to SARS, was met with outrage by Mr. Chrétien and Health Minister Anne McLellan.  Their protests come far too late and hold little credibility given the weeks of federal neglect on the SARS file. 

This is not solely a “Toronto” issue.  Toronto is Canada’s largest international gateway for travelers, as well as a high-volume hub for domestic travel.  Toronto represents one-quarter of Canada’s economy and SARS has impacted heavily upon that city’s economy.  Like it or not, in this case, Toronto’s problem is Canada’s problem.  

The federal Liberal government had a responsibility to swiftly reassure Canadians and the world that appropriate cautionary measures were being taken to protect the health of the general public.  As federal Health Minister, Ms. McLellan should act as a national quarterback, coordinating between all provinces, the medical research community and the international community to direct our national response to the SARS crisis. 

Shortly after the first SARS-related deaths and before SARS became a common household term, the Canadian Alliance saw that some Canadians were growing alarmed.  In a non-partisan and cooperative step, we sent advance notification to Ms. McLellan that our Health Critic would ask her about SARS, during Question Period in the House of Commons, as an opportunity to pass on vital information and to reassure Canadians.  

Much to our surprise, Ms. McLellan was ill-prepared for the question and seemed far from knowledgeable on the issue.  

Given the Liberals’ lack of leadership and inaction on SARS, WHO did not feel confident Canada had the outbreak under control.  Even as the number of SARS cases peaked, the federal government did not implement the most basic of screening procedures at Canada’s air and sea ports and border crossings.  Passengers on international and Canada-bound flights could have been asked a few basic screening questions about SARS by airline agents, just as federal regulations require they be verbally asked about the contents of their luggage. 

Ms. McLellan has accused WHO of possessing inaccurate and outdated facts on the Toronto SARS outbreak.  Yet, she also claims to have been in daily contact with WHO officials.  If so, then how is it that those same officials didn’t have their facts straight? 

The damage to Canada’s reputation and economy has been done.  The Canadian Alliance is now calling for a three-pronged attack against SARS:  containment nationally, protection internationally and prevention by developing a vaccine.  We also believe Disaster Financial Assistance Agreements should be set-up between the federal government and the provinces to address health emergencies such as this, not just natural disasters.

In the meantime, there is one final measure that must be taken to safeguard Canada's reputation against the broadcasting of gross factual errors and embarrassing gaffes related to the SARS outbreak...place Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman in quarantine!