Statement made on 22 October 2009 by Senator James Cowan
Hon. James S. Cowan (Leader of the Opposition):
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. The threat of a potential H1N1 flu outbreak is a worry for all Canadians. Despite statements by the Minister of Health encouraging us all to get vaccinated, we have received no information regarding the availability and delivery of the H1N1 vaccine and whether or not — and if so, when — we should also receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
Canadians have simply been left in the dark as to how to protect themselves and their families against the first pandemic in 40 years.
On the other hand, the most up-to-date analysis of amounts spent on advertising shows that this government has spent $60 million to promote its Economic Action Plan, a publicity campaign which is of no benefit to Canadians. In contrast, the government has allocated a mere $6.5 million to inform Canadians as to how to prepare for a potential outbreak.
Why has this government spent ten times more funds on promoting themselves at the expense of the H1N1 vaccination awareness campaign?
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