Canada’s Health Minister Questions U.S. Health Reliability
Canada’s Health Minister, Marjorie Michel, says the country can no longer rely on U.S. health institutions for trusted information.
Michel spoke in a year‑end interview about the evolving landscape of health science in North America. She said Canada must look to more trustworthy scientific partners.
She noted that Canada has long used U.S. health data and science as a reference. But those days are now over, she said.
Concerns Over Vaccine Information and Policy
Michel pointed to issues with vaccine information coming from U.S. institutions. She said recent changes in U.S. health agencies have raised serious concerns.
She emphasized that Canada will make its own decisions on vaccines and other public health matters.
The minister said Canada still watches developments in the U.S., but not as a primary source. Instead, it will work with partners that follow established science.
Changes in U.S. Health Leadership and Policies
The comments come amid shifts in U.S. public health leadership and policy. Canadian officials have noted changes in how some health agencies in the U.S. operate.
Cuts to budgets and adjustments to vaccine schedules have worried health experts in Canada. These changes have, at times, contradicted widely accepted scientific views.
Impact of Misinformation and Disease Outbreaks
Canadian researchers have also warned about the rising influence of health misinformation in the U.S. This trend has made cross‑border information sharing less reliable.
The minister highlighted recent outbreaks of communicable diseases, including measles, as evidence that relying solely on external sources is no longer sensible.
She called for stronger domestic and international partnerships built on scientific integrity and trust.
Building Trust in Canadian Health Science
Michel said Canadian health leaders must work together to build back public trust in science. She noted that all provinces agreed this year to prioritize vaccination and public health coordination.
The minister hopes Canada will soon have more reliable global health partners and reduce dependence on any single foreign institution.
