Public Engagement Session addressed Ethical Challenges posed by a Pandemic

In June 2008, Global facilitated a one-day public engagement session, which addressed a number of ethical challenges in pandemic influenza decision-making. Sponsored by the University of Toronto’s Joint Centre for Bioethics (JCB), the session involved a “town hall” discussion amongst members of the public and invited volunteers, and featured a number of scenarios that examined four key ethical challenges:

• What are the obligations of health care providers during an influenza pandemic when they face a heightened risk of infection?
• Who should be prioritized to receive scare health care resources during a pandemic?
• Should the government impose strict public health methods that may restrict civil liberties?
• What ought to be Canada’s role on the international stage when it comes to controlling the spread of a pandemic influenza virus?

This public engagement session was the first of a series that conducted across the country over 2008/2009. The results of the sessions was to be presented to government agencies and go towards updating the JCBs landmark ethical guidance document, Stand On Guard for Thee.

The Joint Centre for Bioethics is a partnership between the University of Toronto and affiliated healthcare organizations, which involves a network of over 180 multidisciplinary professionals seeking to improve health care standards at both national and international levels.