WHEREAS local governments in British Columbia are contending with the increasing threat of the West Nile Virus, which can lead to serious health effects, including prolonged health problems and which, in severe cases, can be fatal; AND WHEREAS the City of Coquitlam appreciates the importance of implementing a coordinated approach to local prevention and response measures, including health education, in the defence against West Nile Virus; AND WHEREAS Health Authorities have the expertise to deal with health issues; AND WHEREAS the health of British Columbians is the responsibility of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada and should remain so; AND WHEREAS funding grants available to local governments are not sufficient or guaranteed for the long term, to cover the costs needed to meet provincial expectations with respect to West Nile Virus preparedness; AND WHEREAS local governments should recover 100 of their costs associated with health activities directed by a public health authority: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities encourage the provincial and federal governments to accept full responsibility, including funding, for all activities related to implementing local prevention and response measures, including public education, in the defence against West Nile Virus.
Ministry of Health The health of citizens is a responsibility shared among all jurisdictions, including local governments, health authorities, the Province of British Columbia Province, First Nations and the federal government. A coordinated and cooperative approach among all governments to reduce the risk of outbreaks of West Nile virus disease is to the greatest benefit of the public. To date, West Nile virus has not been found in the Province. However, the Province continues to take a precautionary approach to the threat of West Nile virus through a provincial strategy led by the BC Centre for Disease Control. This strategy includes public education, surveillance for mosquitoes, dead birds, and human infections, prevention through integrated pest management i.e. mosquito larval control and plans for response to a severe outbreak i.e. adult mosquito control. As well, health authorities have developed local plans to address a potential finding of the virus. Since 2004, the Province has provided over 9 million in funding to local governments, through the UBCM, for mosquito control programs. This funding is determined through an annual review of the surveillance for, and potential threat of, West Nile virus in the Province. Funding for 2007 is currently under review. With their responsibilities for public health, including emergency planning and response, local governments play an important role in responding to public health threats, supporting prevention activities, and protecting, promoting and supporting public health. The Ministry of Health looks forward to continuing to work cooperatively with local governments in preparation for, and response to, the threat of West Nile virus.
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS Regarding Resolution B49 on the West Nile Virus, once again, DFO regulates work in and around fish habitat such as work that may be connected with, West Nile prevention; it does not, however, have a role in funding this type of work. I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to my colleague, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, for his review and consideration. MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT As you may be aware, the administration and delivery of health care services fall within the purview of the provinces and territories, where the mandate and authority for program delivery resides. Therefore, Health Canada does not have a direct role in supporting activities related to local West Nile virus prevention and response measures, including public education. The Public Health Agency of Canada collaborates with the provinces and territories through a number of sub-committees on the West Nile virus addressing bird surveillance, human case surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, blood safety, and communications. In your efforts to coordinate West Nile virus-related activities among adjoining municipalities, I would encourage you to approach your provincial colleagues.