Local politicians suggest calling in the army for H1N1 vaccine delivery

In a letter to federal health minister Leona Aglukkaq, dated Nov. 5, Orléans Coun. Bob Monette asked Aglukkaq to appeal to the Minister of National Defence and have any available medics, nurses and doctors with the Canadian Armed Forces help organize and distribute the H1N1 vaccine.

“With the unprecedented level of participation from the public in this inoculation, all levels of government need to continue to work collaboratively to ensure that each person who wishes to receive the vaccine is given it as rapidly as possible,” Monette wrote in the letter, also copied to defence minister Peter MacKay. “All persons who can and are qualified to give needles and all personnel who can facilitate the administration should be redirected towards helping alleviate this nationwide issue.”

The idea to get the army involved, he continued, came from a constituent employed with the Canadian Armed Forces who had discussions with colleagues about how military personnel could help.

Meanwhile, Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau sent a letter to Dr. Isra Levy, Ottawa’s chief medical officer, echoing Monette’s appeal and suggesting army medics be used to help get the vaccine out.

“These men and women have addressed larger challenges in their work and have unique skill sets that would only positively contribute to our collective efforts regarding the tasks at hand,” Galipeau wrote. “Including our army medics in this process would greatly enhance our capacity to serve Canadians.”