Canada “should not need a crisis” to act on antimicrobial threats, immigration backlogs, AG warns

Canadian Federal Auditor General Karen Hogan's latest reports are flagging issues with preparation for antimicrobial threats, immigration backlogs, efforts to fight racism and discrimination in key government departments and work to modernize IT systems, she detailed to reporters on Thursday.

When it comes to combating the growing public-health threat of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs, the auditor warned of gaps in the government's efforts. The Health Department released an action plan in June, but Hogan found it to be incomplete, as it didn't include any measurable goals or timelines.

Hogan also said that refugees are being left behind by immigration backlogs stretching almost three years, and urged the government to immediately create a way for refugees to apply online. As of the end of last year, there were 99,000 refugee applications still waiting to be processed, which Hogan said is partly due to higher workloads in offices with lower staff levels.

“These issues are not new. If COVID-19 taught us anything, it is that being prepared and acting early costs less and results in better outcomes. I said it in March 2021 and I will repeat it today: The government should not need a crisis to understand the importance of acting promptly,” Hogan said.

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