In accordance with the Geneva Convention for Diplomatic Missions as well as the Canada Criminal Code, the Government of Canada must provide essential and emergency health care for officially designated dignitaries, including their immediate family while visiting Canada. Health Canada has delegated this responsibility to the Occupational Health and Safety Agency. Preparation of a medical plan, including a food surveillance program, involves cooperation and consultation with embassies, the medical team responsible for the dignitary, delegations, various federal departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Solicitor General, Heritage Canada, provincial governments and others.
International summits require a much more elaborate and comprehensive medical contingency plan.
The threat of terrorism has created a need to enhance our plans to include biological and chemical terrorism counter measures. Because of the complexity and high level of security for such events, the medical plans must be developed in cooperation and partnership with provincial and municipal governments, the private sector as well as various federal departments listed above including the Department of National Defence, and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, etc. Medical contingency plans often require up to two years of planning from its inception to its implementation. Every year, the VIP Program is involved in medical contingency planning for approximately 60 official visits by foreign dignitaries which has included the Royal Family.