Federal Authorities during Public Health Emergencies | The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

This document highlights the responsibility of the federal authorities during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
It outlines section 91 under the Constitutional Act of 1867 that gives special powers to Parliament to be used during these times, which may temporarily alter provincial legislative powers in order to effectively and timely address issues of national concern.
In order to respond to public health emergencies the federal government has certain legislation in place including the Public Health Agency of Canada Act, the Quarantine Act, the Emergencies Act, and the Emergency Management Act.

Citation

Norris, Sonya and Brideau Isabelle. Federal Authorities During Public Health Emergencies. Library of Parliament, 2020. https://hillnotes.ca/2020/03/23/federal-authorities-during-public-health-emergencies/

Overlapping Topics

Government Affairs

Policy Sub-Topic

Policy Type

Editorial