The federal government tasked an expert panel last summer to conduct a review of how it handled aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but details of the review only came to light in late January.

Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall formally asked the government in November 2023 whether it had hired the services of Sir Mark Walport, the UK’s former chief scientific adviser, to review Ottawa’s response to the pandemic. She also asked when he began his work, what his mandate is, when he’ll issue a report, and why the government hadn’t announced his appointment.

Health Minister Mark Holland tabled a response in the House of Commons on Jan. 29 and confirmed that the panel began its work in August with Sir Walport serving as chair.