Finding Reliable Information During a Pandemic

There are several places for reliable information. It is always in your best interest to respect and follow the advice of your public health authorities.

Federal Government:
The official Government of Canada Pandemic Influenza website is: http://www.influenza.gc.ca/ or you can call their information line at 1-800-454-8302

The Canadian Government has created the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan (available online at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cpip-pclcpi/index.html). The plan maps out how Canada will prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic. Federal, provincial and territorial governments worked together on its development, and the plan is revised as new information becomes available.

The main groups involved are the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada. PHAC focuses on chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, injury prevention, and responds to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. PHAC's website is www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Health Canada provides nationwide coordination for the influenza response. Health Canada's website is www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Provincial / Territorial Government:
Your Provincial or Territorial Government will also be a source of information specific for your area. The phone numbers are listed in the Blue pages of your phone book (in the provincial or territorial section) or you can visit the official website for your province or territory.

Local Health Authorities:
Every municipality (city, town, region) also has a Public Health department or local health authority. Because these departments are responsible for your community, they understand the unique needs and challenges of your area.

Again, you can contact these departments by using their phone number (as listed in the Blue pages under Municipal government) or by calling your city hall for help.

Medical Officer of Health
Each health authority (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) has a Chief Medical Health Officer to provide direction to the health agency, and to be a spokesperson on public health issues.

Local Media
Listen to trusted radio and TV stations (for example, the one(s) you listen to for school cancellations) or read your local newspaper for announcements, recommendations and/or advisories from Public Health.