Canadian Firms Prepare for a Pandemic

Businesses in Canada are starting to spend more time and money preparing for a flu pandemic, a new report suggests, as awareness of the possibility of a pandemic continues to grow.

The Canadian Press (CP) is reporting that health experts in Canada are estimating that a pandemic will hit anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the population in waves. It’s that awareness spreading that has forced industries to take steps to prepare for the potential crisis.

“About six months ago, there was really no concern, and I think it makes sense to be concerned,” Sherry Cooper, chief economist of BMO Nesbitt Burns told CP. Some companies that are working on contingency plans include Air Canada, Dofasco, Inc., CIBC, Inco Ltd. and Manulife Financial.

CP says that Cooper, in a recent article written for the Harvard Business Review, says most companies have not adequately planned for a pandemic, and notes that it’s “very different” than traditional crisis management.

“An influenza pandemic will likely be prolonged — measured in months, not weeks or days — and it will be pervasive,” she wrote. “For most businesses, it would be prudent to take some actions immediately. Even though the probability of an influenza pandemic might be low, the consequences are enormous.”

According to CP, Canada’s pandemic influenza plan says about one million people will be deemed essential service providers for the purposes of doling out vaccines. Those people include utility workers, funeral service personnel and people employed in public transportation and the transport of essential goods like food.