Canada has replaced its troubled Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) with a new initiative, the Vaccine Impact Assistance Program (VIAP), effective April 1, 2026.
Run by the Public Health Agency of Canada, VIAP succeeds a program previously managed by private firm Oxaro, which drew criticism after a Global News investigation revealed that of $54 million allocated, $36 million went to administration.
Only $21 million supported 252 injured individuals since 2021. Applicants under VIAP will no longer need to prove negligence; medical experts will assess injury claims based on severity and impact.
The new program also addresses prior issues such as delayed payments, poor communication, and a backlog of denied applications due to missed deadlines. A dedicated call center will streamline support.
VIAP now includes hundreds previously stuck in bureaucratic delays and accepts claims from 225 individuals initially denied for missing a three-year window.
Health officials say rebuilding trust is key as vaccine hesitancy rises. A Léger poll in December showed 74% of Canadians remain confident in vaccines, though trust has slipped since 2019.