This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
The following letter to HepCBC from Canada’s Health Minister, Rona Ambrose, was received recently. It explains the Ministry’s reason for delaying its release of new federal Hepatitis C Screening Guidelines, which will likely include some recommendation for adding “age-cohort” testing to the guidelines while retaining current “risk-based” testing. While the exact age-cohort “window” for what is also called “Baby Boomer” testing is still to be determined, it is likely to start with birth year 1945 or 1950 and continue through 1965 or 1975. The new projected release date is spring, 2016.
Note the Minister’s reason for the delay is that the guidelines are undergoing review by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care: http://canadiantaskforce.ca/?content=pcp. Task Force members are listed here: http://canadiantaskforce.ca/about-us/members/ .
HepCBC will soon post our reply to the letter below. You can also read HepCBC’s original letter to the Minister of Health here: Rosemary_letter_Min_Ambrose_Feb2015
Download a PDF of the Minister of Health’s letter here: 20150527 RonaAmbrose_reply2HepCBC .
Minister of Health
Ottawa, Canada K1A 0K9
May 26, 2015
Dear Ms. Plummer:
I am pleased to respond to your letter concerning hepatitis C screening guidelines, which was forwarded to me by Mr. Murray Rankin, Member of Parliament for Victoria.
As you are aware, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends screening for individuals with risk behaviour and potential exposures to hepatitis C. The Agency is aware of calls to add one-time screening for specific birth cohorts, and has determined that further analysis is required before proposing changes to the current guidance. This additional analysis will include a review by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, an independent body of primary care and prevention experts. The Task Force’s review is expected to be made public in spring 2016.
In the meantime, the Agency is working with the provinces and territories to increase awareness and promote screening among those at an increased risk for the hepatitis C virus.
The federal government is committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial partners to address the burden of hepatitis C through the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support, and Research Program. The program funds community based projects aimed at preventing the spread of viral hepatitis and improving the lives of those infected with the virus.
I hope that this information is helpful in addressing your concerns.
Yours sincerely,
The Hon. Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P.
cc: Mr. Murray Rankin, Q.C., M.P., Victoria
