Recommendations

Main Recommendations
from the National Citizens Inquiry (NCI) Final Report

The November 2023 Final Report of the National Citizens Inquiry (NCI) into the Appropriateness and Efficacy of the COVID-19 Response in Canada made several key recommendations aimed at addressing the shortcomings identified during the inquiry and improving future responses to similar crises. The main recommendations are summarized below:

1. Transparency and Accountability:

  • Public Admission and Accountability: Institutions must recognize and publicly admit their culpability in any wrongdoing during the pandemic response. Where appropriate, they should face criminal and civil penalties .
  • Information Disclosure: Institutions should make all information related to their actions during the pandemic publicly available to foster a culture of transparency and accountability .
  • Oversight Mechanisms: Establish independent bodies such as auditors general or ombudsman offices to review and ensure the accountability of public officials and institutions .

2. Governance and Decision-Making:

  • Rule of Law: Uphold the rule of law and ensure all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law .
  • Separation of Powers: Reassert the separation of powers among legislative, judicial, and executive branches to maintain checks and balances .
  • Executive Authority: Limit the extent of executive authority during emergencies to prevent undue power without proper oversight .
  • Non-Delegation Doctrine: Consider implementing a non-delegation doctrine to prevent legislative powers from being unduly delegated to unelected administrative bodies .

3. Public Health and Crisis Management:

  • Balanced Approach: Develop a balanced approach to crisis management that considers public health alongside economic, social, and mental wellbeing .
  • Support for Vulnerable Populations: Ensure that vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and those struggling with addiction, receive adequate support during crises .
  • Healthcare Infrastructure: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure to ensure capacity and readiness for future public health emergencies.

4. Education and Awareness:

  • Public Engagement: Actively engage with the public and involve stakeholders in decision-making processes. Seek public input through consultations, town hall meetings, and surveys .
  • Communication: Ensure clear, consistent, and honest communication with the public during crises. Information about the nature of the crisis and measures being taken should be transparently conveyed .
  • Ethics Training: Implement mandatory annual ethics training for healthcare workers to enhance ethical standards and ensure the protection of patient rights.

5. Learning from Mistakes:

  • Acknowledgment of Mistakes: Publicly acknowledge and learn from past mistakes or failures. Address any instances of wrongdoing and take corrective actions .
  • Long-Term Vision and Consistency: Develop a clear long-term vision for the role and purpose of public institutions, ensuring consistency in actions and decision-making to build public trust.

6. Impact on Specific Sectors:

  • Military: Recommendations include independent grievance mechanisms, strengthened whistleblower legislation, comprehensive healthcare for injured service members, and mandatory monitoring of vaccine-related injuries .
  • Education System: Avoid prolonged school closures, prioritize in-person learning, and provide targeted support for vulnerable students. Enhance mental health services within schools to support students’ emotional wellbeing.

These recommendations aim to address the identified shortcomings in the pandemic response, ensure accountability, and improve the resilience and preparedness of Canadian institutions for future crises.