Public health experts warn that we are overdue for a flu pandemic. They cannot predict when this will happen, but urge everyone to take steps now to prepare. Planning for a pandemic is a huge and complex task. It is not solely the responsibility of government. We all have a part to play to ensure that Canada is ready to face, and cope, with this eventuality. Planning for a pandemic will also help prepare for other emergencies.
Businesses and organizations in the non-governmental sector have an important role to play by informing their staff members and families, the people they serve, partner organizations, and the broader public about pandemic flu preparedness.
The purpose of this issue brief is to provide background information about the risk of pandemic flu, preparedness planning in Canada, and the potential role of organizations in this effort. Its goal is to supplement planning that is already underway and, more importantly, provide guidance for organizations that do not yet have contingency planning in place for a flu pandemic.
The brief is broken down into four sections: