Most witnesses at Tuesday’s committee hearing said the country’s lack of domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity is a major factor in the vaccine shortage, leaving Canada at the mercy of foreign producers and “vaccine nationalism.”
But other reasons for the procurement troubles also surfaced, including the task force of outside experts set up by the government to advise it on the process.
Ottawa initially did not reveal its existence, then withheld the names of members. And it only divulged their potential conflicts of interest following negative media coverage.
As it turns out, half of the 12 members have conflicts — connections to firms related to the vaccine field — including the two co-chairs. Respected virologist Gary Kobinger resigned from the task force over the issue. The government says it was aware of the conflicts of interest, but deliberately chose members with direct, practical experience and knowledge.
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