Statement on Ad Hoc Committee Tabling

The Minister of Health tabled documents from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service related to an investigation initiated in 2019 into the activities and subsequent employment termination of two scientists at the National Microbiology Lab (NML).

February 28, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Today, the Minister of Health tabled documents from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service related to an investigation initiated in 2019 into the activities and subsequent employment termination of two scientists at the National Microbiology Lab (NML).

The documents were tabled in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding agreed to in October 2022, and have been reviewed and vetted by the Ad Hoc Committee of Parliamentarians, with the support of an independent Panel of Arbiters.

PHAC respects the work of the Committee, and we take our accountability to Parliament and Canadians seriously. Every day our employees work with integrity to protect and promote the health of Canadians and we expect and require our employees to abide by PHAC's Code of Conduct and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

The administrative investigation has informed important enhancements to the Agency's operational security measures. Research security concerns were referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation.

Since 2019, the PHAC has invested significant time and attention to ensure research and science are conducted across the organization with a firm security mindset. PHAC has placed a strong emphasis on respecting and enforcing all policies and procedures, both new and existing, that secure the NML's work and safeguard against a continually evolving threat environment. This is consistent with efforts across the Government of Canada to support innovation and research while also protecting national security.

PHAC has established clear and regular training and communication on security and employee accountabilities. International collaborations require review from a security perspective and governance is in place to vet and approve new collaborations. This includes the mandatory use of Materials Transfer Agreements for infectious material, agreements to structure collaborations, such as Collaborative Research Agreements, and a strengthened Policy on Affiliations with academic, research and health care organizations as part of a suite of additional Scientific Integrity Policies.

The NML has a renewed, proactive security posture that has reinforced the physical security of the building. Screening measures are strictly enforced for all staff and external visitors, including the requirement for visitors to be accompanied at all times and without exception.

As a federally regulated institution, PHAC complies with biosecurity regulations, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program, and works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance. These processes continue to be effective and have not required any significant change.

The processes and procedures that are in place will continue to be evaluated and enhanced with a view to continuously protecting the confidence and trust of Canadians.

Contacts

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca