Canada accelerates audit of vaccine injury program amid rising criticism of mismanagement, delays, and high administrative costs impacting injured claimants.
Federal Health Audit Fast-Tracked Amid Public Pressure
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed it is accelerating its audit of the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) following widespread criticism of its administration. The move comes after rising concerns about delays, ballooning administrative costs, and inadequate support for Canadians who suffered vaccine-related injuries during the COVID-19 rollout.
PHAC officials stated that the audit will also evaluate new models for delivering the program, aiming to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and that injured Canadians receive timely support.
Minister Responds to Mounting Scrutiny
At a press briefing in Fredericton, Health Minister Mark Holland acknowledged the urgency, saying, “I am on it,” while declining to offer further comment. His office has directed PHAC to explore alternative delivery mechanisms for VISP. These could involve transferring management away from the current administrator, Ottawa-based consulting firm Oxaro Inc., or possibly reverting the program to federal oversight.
The previous timeline for the audit has not been disclosed, and the agency has not yet revealed a new deadline.
Complaints Trigger Oversight Shift
The decision to expedite the audit follows sustained criticism stemming from a five-month media investigation into VISP’s operations. The series exposed serious flaws in how Oxaro handled claims, with injured applicants reporting difficulties contacting case managers and long wait times for decisions.
PHAC’s initial projections estimated 40 valid claims per year. That figure was later revised to 400 annually—yet more than 3,300 claims have been filed since the program’s launch, with over 1,700 applicants still awaiting outcomes.
Funding Disparity Sparks Concern
Updated federal figures show that VISP has received $54.1 million in public funding since 2021. Of that, $36.3 million—two-thirds of the total—was spent on administration, while just $18.1 million reached Canadians suffering from serious vaccine-related injuries.
Critics, including opposition MPs and health advocacy groups, argue that this imbalance raises serious questions about the program’s effectiveness and equity. Some affected individuals have resorted to crowdfunding their medical expenses while awaiting claim decisions.
Inside the Administration Gap
Former staff members described a disorganized workplace culture that included office distractions like slushie machines and Netflix streaming—raising doubts about the seriousness with which the program was administered. Others emphasized that they had tried to meet the program’s objectives despite staffing shortages and rising workloads.
Internal documents obtained during the investigation revealed early miscalculations about the number of applications and highlighted poor planning between Oxaro and PHAC at the outset.
Program Reforms Under Consideration
While officials have not disclosed what “alternative delivery models” might involve, potential options include reassigning the program to a new contractor or bringing it fully under government control.
A spokesperson for Oxaro acknowledged the program’s underestimated demand, stating that applications surged to more than ten times the original forecast. They claimed processes and staffing were adjusted accordingly and stressed that the company’s invoices are reviewed by PHAC prior to any government payments.
Calls for Accountability Grow
The audit acceleration signals the government’s recognition of deep-rooted issues in VISP’s operation. With more than 1,700 Canadians still awaiting a decision, public scrutiny is mounting, and the future of the program remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the federal government is under pressure to ensure fairness, transparency, and support for those affected by vaccine injuries—without unnecessary bureaucratic roadblocks.
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