Past Pandemics that Impacted Canada

Are there similar health related events that have affected Canadians throughout its history?

A pandemic is a health related event that has had worldwide consequences. These health related events have occurred throughout history, in both ancient times and more recently. Many of the world’s pandemics have affected Canada. The impact of each of these historical events on Canada has varied depending on the specific pandemic and the year that each occurred. Most Pandemics have had a significant impact on our country and our way of life, and we have learned because of each of these events.

What were the impacts of previous outbreaks on the country and its citizens?

Many health related outbreaks have had significant impacts around the world. The degree that each historic outbreak has affected life in a specific country depends on the severity of the event and the development of the specific country. In Canada, similar events have resulted in changes to our health care systems and supports and changes in behavior and services offered to citizens. An early example of this is the development of sewage and water treatment facilities in Canada in the early 1900s.

How did Canada and Canadians differ from other countries and citizens over those times?

The response of Canada and Canadians to similar events include dramatic changes in social norms (acceptable day to day practice by citizens) and government policy around infrastructure (clean water, sewage treatment) and health care. One of the most useful examples is Canada’s response to the Spanish Flu. Canadian response to particular health challenges may be similar to the response in other countries, and may provide an indication of what we might do during and after the current Pandemic. After SARS, Canada’s previous outbreak, our national government created the Public Health Agency of Canada that has served to coordinate National health response to heath related issues, which were normally the responsibility of provinces. This National Agency provides information guide government policy and programs around health issues, and coordinates trusted, fact-based data around these health related issues and events to help Canadians.

Were there key lessons learned from Canada’s previous experiences with pandemics?

Any government attempts to learn lessons based on history and information that came from other sources. SARS is a prime example of where governments have attempted to learn from previous outbreaks. We will continue to learn important lessons as we deal with COVID-19. Canada will continue to learn from past pandemics like SARS and future outbreaks similar to this coronavirus as they occur. Canada’s experience with SARS lead to the creation of a Pandemic Plan which has guided our response to the current COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result of these lessons the Public Health Agency of Canada coordinates the provision of clear, trustworthy Pandemic-related information. Canada will continue to learn from experience with Pandemics, based on lessons learned during the current outbreak, just as it with events in its history.