Edmonton, AB
January 26, 2015
Check Against Delivery
Hello,
I am Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister of Health and Regional Minister for Northern Alberta.
Before we begin today’s press conference, I want to begin by offering my sincere condolences to Constable David Wynn's family, friends and entire community.
In a few hours, I will join the Prime Minister, the Minister for Public Safety, Steven Blaney, Albertans and Canadians to celebrate the life of Constable Wynn. Constable Wynn was an active member of our community and will be remembered as a hero in life, not death.
I am here to confirm North America’s first human case of H7N9, also known as avian flu.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that a resident of British Columbia, who recently returned from a trip to China, was infected with H7N9.
The individual was not symptomatic during travel and only developed symptoms after returning to Canada.
I am pleased to report that the individual is now recovering from the illness and did not require hospitalization.
The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that the risk to Canadians is very low, as there is no evidence to suggest that H7N9 transmits easily from person-to-person.
Our Government is committed to disease surveillance and is working closely with its public health partners across the country and world.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to work closely with B.C.’s Ministry of Health and other provincial health authorities to ensure the health and safety of Canadians.
The Agency has notified China, the World Health Organization and other international partners about the case, in keeping with our international obligations
Our Government will work closely with its national and international partners, including the World Health Organization.
We are holding today’s technical briefing to deliver a clear message to Canadians: the risk of getting H7N9 is very low.
Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians have up-to-date, accurate information and we will continue to communicate in an open and transparent way.
Now I’ll turn it over to Dr. Gregory Taylor.
