The federal government has introduced a new organization called Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC) to streamline coordination among various sectors for quicker responses to future public health emergencies. HERC will act as the central hub for aligning efforts and fostering collaboration between industry, research centers, and international partners.
Health Minister Mark Holland emphasized that HERC will enable a rapid response to health emergencies, calling it a significant step forward in enhancing health security. The government aims to bridge the gap between research and industry through HERC, facilitating quicker access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other essential products during health crises.
Officials mention that Canada is following the lead of some G7 partners by establishing specialized entities to bolster health emergency preparedness. Examples highlighted include the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority. The new agency will collaborate closely with federal partners such as Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The government plans to release more details about HERC in the upcoming months as the organization takes shape to strengthen Canada’s readiness for future health crises.
