A coalition of Conservative MPs, alongside a prominent health advocacy group, are escalating calls for an immediate investigation and comprehensive overhaul of the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP). The demand follows revelations of alleged mismanagement and disproportionate spending on administrative costs.
Spearheaded by Dan Mazier, Conservative health critic and deputy chairman of the Commons Health Committee, the group penned a letter urging Liberal MP Hedy Fry, chair of the same committee, to convene an emergency hearing. To date, Fry has not responded. The letter, also signed by MPs Dr. Matt Strauss, Helena Konanz, and Burton Bailey, levels serious accusations. “This is more than mismanagement,” the letter stated. “It appears to be a blatant misuse of tax dollars. The Liberals handed out tens of millions of dollars to high priced consultants while the very Canadians this program was intended to help have been neglected.”
The mounting pressure stems from a five-month investigative report highlighting significant discrepancies in the program’s operation. The initial projection was around 40 claims per year, later adjusted to 400, but the program has been swampeded with over 3,300 applications.
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
- Disproportionate Spending: Over $54 million has been allocated to Oxaro Inc., the consulting firm administering the program. Of that, over $36 million has been spent on administrative costs, leaving roughly $18 million for injured Canadians.
- Application Backlog: Of the thousands of applications received, over 1,700 remain unresolved, leaving many in limbo.
- Applicant Struggles: Many applicants report difficulties reaching case managers, face rejected claims without proper consultation, and resort to online fundraising to cover basic needs.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) outsourced the administration of VISP to Oxaro Inc. in 2021. The decision has faced sharp critism considering other options available. This Unexpected Anomaly caused an Immediate Reaction from stakeholders across the political spectrum. The Lingering Question is whether this was a misjudgment or a deliberate act.
Oxaro, in previous statements, attributed the issues to a higher-than-expected volume of applications. They maintain that they are “collaborating closely” with PHAC to improve efficiency within budget constraints and that invoices undergo thorough review. However, these explanations have done little to quell growing discontent. Attempts to reach Oxaro for further comment today were unsucessful.
Darryl Bedford, president of the GBS-CIDP Foundation of Canada, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with neurological disorders, echoes the concerns of many. He asserts that the program needs a fundamental overhaul to expedite decision-making and enhance support for those injured by vaccines. “We’re very concerned. And we think that there really needs to be a close look or overhaul of this,” Bedford stated emphatically.
“It doesn’t feel like it’s working to us.” , Darryl Bedford, President, GBS-CIDP Foundation of Canada
Bedford also points out that the inconsistancy of VISP in the way it’s helping people causes problems. Several individuals developed serious adverse reactions, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), following COVID-19 vaccination, which can lead to paralysis. Suddenly, the landscape changed, and these individuals found themselves in dire straits, struggling to navigate a complex and seemingly unresponsive system.
Allegations have also emerged about the work environment at Oxaro, with former employees describing a lack of professionalism and focus. The allegations, detailed in the initial investigative report, paint a picture far removed from the serious nature of the program’s mandate.
Many express frustration at the sluggish pace of the program. “When you experience a sudden tragedy that rips your life apart, you need support within days or weeks. To have to wait months or years for a decision on financial help from the VISP is completely unacceptable,” lamented Bedford, highlighting the urgent need for a more responsive and effective system. “It doesn’t feel like it’s (VISP is) responsive enough,” he added.
Critics question why the government chose Oxaro, formerly Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Consulting Inc., to administer the program. Green Shield Canada, a national health-claims benefit manager with decades of experience, was among the unsuccessful bidders.
One indivdual who asked to remain anonymous posted on X.com earlier today “It’s obvious the government failed these citizens.” The comment has been retweeted almost one thousand times.
PHAC maintains that a six-person committee unanimously selected RCGT Consulting over Green Shield and other companies. However, details surrounding the selection process remain murky, fueling suspicions of potential bias or misjudgment. The agency says that it is currentlie reviewing Oxaro’s five-year contract, which is up for renewal next year, and has initiated a compliance audit following the initial investigative report. PHAC did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The ongoing controversy has sparked outrage among those affected, as evidenced by numerous posts and comments on social media. Facebook groups dedicated to vaccine injury support are flooded with messages of frustration and desperation, with members sharing their struggles to access timely assistance. One user wrote, “I’ve been waiting for over a year, and I’m still no closer to getting help. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.”
The situation surrounding the VISP program continues to evolve, with increasing pressure on the government to address the issues and provide adequate support to those injured by vaccines. The call for a full investigation and overhaul may represent a turning point in the ongoing saga.