In November 2023, PAN was part of the national STBBI advocacy collective that sent letters to six Ministers after the cabinet reshuffle. The letters are attached, but here are the opening paragraphs:
…We write to you to request your Ministry’s reopen dialogue with our national collective of community-based and human rights agencies delivering Canada’s frontline STBBI response concerning the state and objectives of Canada’s response to HIV and AIDS, HCV, and STBBI in this country, and beyond.
An evolution of the national partners group, our collective has successfully engaged with various Ministers and PHAC leadership in ongoing dialogue and activities to address long-standing and emerging challenges, and to strengthen Canada’s response. Over the years, we’ve engaged with ministers across Cabinet to successfully mobilize programs, consultations, and policy change that improve the lives of people living with and at risk for STBBI.
Today, on behalf of community-based health organizations addressing HIV, HCV, and STBBI across Canada, our collective requests a meeting with you to reopen urgent discussions regarding the state of Canada’s response to these public health concerns. An ongoing relationship is crucial to our mutual understanding and progress toward shared goals.
Additionally, we request a personal commitment from you, Minister, to meet with our sector to engage in dialogue concerning emerging issues.
Since pledging its commitment to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health sector strategies for HIV, HCV, and other STBBI, Canada has yet to meet its previous milestone targets, and is not on track to do so in the future…
The Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health
The Honourable Yaara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
The Honourable Marci Ien Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of Immigration
The Honourable Arif Virani Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada