Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the “Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic” fact sheet was developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, or PHAC. The content was drawn largely from text that was previously posted to Canada.ca.
In response to (b), the fact sheet was approved on May 19, 2021, by the chief of operations in the health portfolio operations centre.
In response to (c), the scripts were developed in collaboration between PHAC and Health Canada.
In response to (d), the Privy Council Office, or PCO, provided final approval of the script on July 16, 2021.
In response to (e), the scripts were developed in collaboration between PHAC and Health Canada.
In response to (f), PCO provided final approval of the script on July 16, 2021.
In response to (g), the Canadian Immunization Guide, or CIG, is a comprehensive resource on immunization maintained by PHAC. The CIG is developed based on recommendations from PHAC and statements of independent expert advisory committees, including the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, or NACI, and the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel.
The initial publication of the COVID-19 vaccine chapter in the CIG, released on December 23, 2021, integrated all NACI guidance that remained relevant and current at the time, including the June 1, 2021, advice on the interchangeability of authorized COVID 19 vaccines.
In response to (h), as outlined in the NACI terms of reference, NACI provides ongoing and timely medical, scientific and public health advice for routine programs and in urgent situations, such as an influenza pandemic, related to Canada's use of vaccines to prevent infection and disease, and certain prophylactic agents, for example immunoglobulins.
While NACI is responsible for developing scientific and public health advice related to vaccine use in Canada, PHAC retains final decision-making authority. Final approval of guidance published in the CIG, including notices, rests with PHAC to ensure alignment with federal public health policies and operational considerations. Approval for the publication of the content within the COVID 19 vaccines CIG chapter was provided by the vice-presidents of the PHAC COVID 19 vaccine rollout task force and infectious disease programs branch on November 30, 2021.