Laboratory Preparedness and Response (LPR) Issue Group

2009-2010 Co-Chairs

Federal - Harvey Artsob (PHAC/NML)
Provincial - Paul Van Caeseele (Manitoba)

Background

The Laboratory Preparedness and Response Issue Group was created in 2001 under the name Bio-Terrorism Response Subcommittee. The group was organized in response to the terrorism events of September 11, 2001 and subsequent anthrax threats.

Since its creation, the group has continuously evolved to address a broad spectrum of preparedness and response topics that are important to Canada and its citizens. In 2009 the group formally became known as the Laboratory Preparedness and Response Issue Group (LPR).

Mission

The purpose of the LPR is to build laboratory response capabilities for public health events important to Canada.
The LPR works to expedite detection, prevention, and intervention strategies to counteract threats against public health.

Testing, data collection and dissemination, and research work provided by federal, provincial, regional and private laboratories across the country are critical to the success of the LPR.

2009-2010 Priorities

The LPR identified five priorities to address during the 2009-2010 cycle:

• Identification, creation and coordination of a laboratory preparedness and response group within the CPHLN network of laboratories and laboratories within jurisdictions that wish to participate.
• Creation and support of an “All Hazards” approach to preparedness and response which utilizes the efforts of and documentation created by the Pandemic Influenza Laboratory Preparedness Network (PILPN) as a template.
• Monitor maintenance of Canadian Laboratory Response Network (CLRN) continuity.
• Assess feasibility of Target Capabilities list for laboratories.
• Provide clearinghouse capacity for position statements on emergency issues.