Dr Jack Kitts has been appointed as the first Chair of the Advisory Committee on Human Pathogens and Toxins (AC-HPT). Dr. Kitts has demonstrated his outstanding leadership through his many years of experience as the CEO and President of the Ottawa Hospital.
The mandate of the Committee is to provide advice to the Federal Minister of Health on additions and deletions to Schedules 1 to 5 under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA). The Chair of the Committee is responsible for leading the membership in making these decisions. In addition to the review of the Schedules, the AC-HPT will also be requested to provide scientific advice focused on the characteristics and risks of human pathogens and toxins and provide advice and recommendations that will assist in addressing domestic and international biosafety and biosecurity risks.
We are pleased that Dr. Kitts has accepted this appointment and believe his expertise and strong leadership skills will enable and support the Committee in moving forward as a cohesive group to successfully execute its mandate.
Further to the announcement of Dr, Kitts the Agency has issued a call for membership of the Committee. Members will be selected based on the required expertise and experience related to the Committee mandate, which includes expertise in the following areas: microbiology, toxinology, epidemiology, communicable diseases, and public health, bioethics, and veterinary or human medicine.
Applications for this nomination process should be completed as per guidelines distributed by the HPTA. CWWA would be happy to forward more information to any interested members.
Canadian Water and Wastewater Association