Pandemic H1N1 in Canada and the use of evidence in developing public health policies - A policy analysis

► Canadian public health officials revealed challenges in considering scientific evidence for decision-making. ► Pandemic pre-planning helped deal with uncertainty but resulted in strong beliefs that isolated policy entrepreneurs. ► Ideologies of evidence affected the interpretation of information and their application to Canadian pandemic policies. ► Conflict avoidance theory explained Canadian pandemic policy decisions that went against the prevailing evidence. ► Clarification of roles within Canada's public health system is needed to avoid duplication and maintain credibility.