There has been a disappointing lack of commitment by many wealthier nations, including Canada, to support global access to COVID-19 vaccines. On March 10, the Trade Justice Network initiated an open letter calling on the federal government to support the waiver of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) at the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a signatory to the letter, PSAC is demanding access for everyone to affordable vaccines as quickly as possible. Canada must support a WTO proposal to make COVID-19 vaccines and treatments available for all countries. 

This initiative is in addition to the letter sent on February 22 by PSAC President Chris Aylward to Prime Minister Trudeau and other government ministers who share responsibility for global issues and for Canadians’ health and safety. The letter asked the Trudeau government to support the “Waiver From Certain Provisions Of The TRIPS Agreement For The Prevention, Containment And Treatment Of COVID-19”. 

Join us by signing the petition to the Government of Canada.