A.G. suggests probe for how Canada is dealing with swine flu

Alberta's Auditor General has suggested that a national probe should be held to examine Canada's pandemic preparedness and the roll-out of H1N1 vaccine in Canada.

Fred Dunn is contemplating investigating Alberta's response to the swine flu threat, in particular the vaccination program. Dunn told press that a review into Alberta's pandemic response, if held, would look at the vaccination program in Alberta. Dunn questioned the long line-ups that saw children and others at high risk waiting for up to seven hours for a shot.

"Why did that occur? What could be learned from that?"

Dunn's warning that he may investigate Alberta's pandemic response was welcomed by opposition parties and Premiere Frank Stelmach, who said the province would comply with the Auditor General. However, Stelmach wants Dunn to wait until the vaccination program is over before an investigation is launched. Stelmach said he would like to be able to compare Alberta's pandemic plan and response to those of other provinces and territories. Alberta's NDP leader, Brian Mason, said he asked Alberta's Auditor to launch an investigation after news surfaced that the Calgary Flames hockey team and family members received H1N1 vaccinations at a time when clinics were restricted only to priority groups. Members of the Calgary Flames were not alone in being put at the head of H1N1 vaccination line-ups. Some members of Ontario sports teams the Raptors and the Maple Leafs received vaccinations, as did some members of a British Columbia hockey team called the Abbotsford Heat. It is unknown how many members of the teams were vaccinated, as the members have been cautioned not to discuss the matter. Fred Dunn has also been talking to his colleagues in the rest of Canada about a national review of Canada's pandemic response. The Liberal Party of Canada has criticized the government of Canada as "incompetent" in preparing for the H1N1 pandemic after Canada's Auditor General released a report that saying Canada is not prepared for any disaster, whether that be caused by terrorists, or acts of nature. Sheila Fraser was not looking at Canada's pandemic preparedness, but instead was looking at a government agency called Public Safety Canada. Canada only rolled out its H1N1 vaccination program at the beginning of November, and is running out of vaccine. As of November 3, Health Canada reports there have been 101 deaths caused by the H1N1 virus in Canada. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Thursday that they expect H1N1 will cause more deaths this winter. The update also said that there is no evidence the H1N1 virus is mutating, and reminded leaders that poor countries have not yet received any vaccine.