Investigation: How Canada failed health workers and mismanaged COVID-19

An investigation into Canada’s management of COVID-19 and the safety of the nation’s health care workers has been released. The investigation’s report, A Time of Fear, details Canada’s systemic preventable failure to adequately prepare and urgently respond to the gravest public health emergency in a century.

The independent investigation was commissioned by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and conducted by Mario Possamai, former senior advisor to the Ontario SARS Commission.

The findings highlight major flaws in the Canada’s approach to public health, and a dangerous and irresponsible outlook on worker safety in response to the pandemic. Canada has more COVID-19 cases and deaths than China, Hong Kong and Taiwan – Canada’s peers in experiencing SARS – combined.

The report makes 50 recommendations to improve worker and public safety and to enhance transparency and accountability. Among the recommendations are urgent measures that enshrine a precautionary approach in Canada’s pandemic response.

Read CFNU President Linda Silas’ Message.

Download the full report. 

Download the brief.

Download the executive summary and recommendations.