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Mobilization of science advice by the Canadian federal government to support the COVID-19 pandemic response

Author

Listed:
  • Dominika Bhatia

    (North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
    Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital)

  • Sara Allin

    (North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
    Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto)

  • Erica Ruggiero

    (Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
    Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

Abstract

The procurement and provision of expert-driven, evidence-informed, and independent science advice is integral to timely decision-making during public health emergencies. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the need for sound evidence in public health policy and exposed the challenges facing government science advisory mechanisms. This paper is a jurisdictional case study describing (i) the federal science advice bodies and mechanisms for public health in Canada (i.e., the federal science advice “ecosystem”); and (ii) how these bodies and mechanisms have mobilized and evolved to procure expertise and evidence to inform decisions during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed publicly accessible Government of Canada documents, technical reports, and peer-reviewed articles available up to December 2021. Canada’s federal landscape of science advisory bodies for public health within the Health Portfolio was largely shaped by Canada’s experiences with the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome and 2009 H1N1 outbreaks. In parallel, Canada has a designated science advisory apparatus that has seen frequent reforms since the early 2000s, with the current Office of the Chief Science Advisor created within the Science Portfolio in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated Canada’s science advice ecosystem, with involvement from departments, expert advisory groups, and partnerships within both the federal Health and Science Portfolios. Although the engagement of federal departments outside the health sector is promising, the COVID-19 experience in Canada supports the need to institutionalize science advisory bodies for public health to improve pandemic preparedness and ensure rapid mobilization of well-coordinated and independent advice in future emergencies. This review also identified pressing areas for further inquiry to strengthen science advice for public health in Canada, including to assess the independence of science advisory actors and the interaction between federal and subnational authorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominika Bhatia & Sara Allin & Erica Ruggiero, 2023. "Mobilization of science advice by the Canadian federal government to support the COVID-19 pandemic response," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:10:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-01501-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-01501-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nele Brusselaers & David Steadson & Kelly Bjorklund & Sofia Breland & Jens Stilhoff Sörensen & Andrew Ewing & Sigurd Bergmann & Gunnar Steineck, 2022. "Evaluation of science advice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. David Cameron & Richard Simeon, 2002. "Intergovernmental Relations in Canada: The Emergence of Collaborative Federalism," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 32(2), pages 49-72, Spring.
    3. Remi Quirion & Arthur Carty & Paul Dufour & Ramia Jabr, 2016. "Erratum: Reflections on science advisory systems in Canada," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 2(1), pages 1-1, December.
    4. Remi Quirion & Arthur Carty & Paul Dufour & Ramia Jabr, 2016. "Reflections on science advisory systems in Canada," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 2(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Kumanan Wilson & Jennifer McCrea-Logie & Harvey Lazar, 2004. "Understanding the Impact of Intergovernmental Relations on Public Health: Lessons from Reform Initiatives in the Blood System and Health Surveillance," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 30(2), pages 177-194, June.
    6. Benjamin M. Vallejo & Rodrigo Angelo C. Ong, 2022. "OCTA as an independent science advice provider for COVID-19 in the Philippines," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    7. repec:pal:palcom:v:2016:y:2016:i:palcomms201648:p:16048- is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Nele Brusselaers & David Steadson & Kelly Bjorklund & Sofia Breland & Jens Stilhoff Sörensen & Andrew Ewing & Sigurd Bergmann & Gunnar Steineck, 2022. "Correction: Evaluation of science advice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-1, December.
    9. Jessica Weinkle, 2022. "An evaluation of North Carolina science advice on COVID-19 pandemic response," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-16, December.
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