Former Health Minister Reflects on Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic

🎧 Podcast Episode 178 with Minister Patty Hajdu

In an exclusive conversation on the Bigger Than Me podcast, former Minister of Health Patty Hajdu shared her experiences navigating one of the most challenging periods in Canadian history—the COVID-19 pandemic. From the immense pressure of national decision-making to the personal toll of sustained leadership during a global crisis, Hajdu offered a rare, candid perspective on her time in office.

Navigating the Uncertainty of a Global Crisis

Hajdu, newly appointed as Health Minister at the onset of the pandemic, described the early days as a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and rapid decision-making. With limited information and a rapidly evolving situation, she worked alongside cabinet colleagues to steer Canada’s response.

“I felt a lot of fear about what was coming,” Hajdu admitted. “In those early days, it was about making rapid decisions and managing Canada’s response collectively.”

As the crisis unfolded, she faced the overwhelming challenge of balancing national needs while managing relentless media attention and public scrutiny.

“Whenever there’s such a stressful crisis response that drags on, it changes you,” Hajdu said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been the same since. I’ve profoundly grown from that experience.”

Lessons in Leadership

Hajdu emphasized the importance of emotional resilience and the need for intentional recovery during prolonged crises. She developed systems to decompress and sought guidance from trusted mentors.

“There’s a difference between a crisis that lasts a week and one that lasts over two years,” she explained. “I had to create time to reflect and to stay centered between each phase of the pandemic.”

Weekly calls with constituents became a cornerstone of her leadership approach, providing her with direct feedback and a deeper understanding of Canadians’ concerns.

“Even when people were upset or angry, those conversations helped me stay connected to what Canadians were feeling on the ground,” Hajdu noted.

Adapting Through Crisis

The complexity of the pandemic required adaptability as new challenges emerged. From managing early evacuation efforts in Wuhan to addressing vaccine prioritization and procurement, Hajdu navigated an ever-changing landscape.

“I called them COVID chapters,” she said, recounting the different phases of the pandemic. “Each one brought new challenges, from evacuating Canadians to managing PPE shortages and, later, vaccine distribution.”

Through it all, she recognized the importance of clear and compassionate communication, especially during emotionally charged moments, such as vaccine prioritization debates.

“I listened to constituents who felt anxious or left out of the vaccination rollout,” Hajdu shared. “It helped me understand their fears and shape our communications to better address those concerns.”

A Call for Reflection

Now years removed from her role as Health Minister, Hajdu remains a strong advocate for reflection and accountability. She supports a public inquiry into Canada’s COVID-19 response, emphasizing the importance of learning from the crisis to strengthen future preparedness.

“Canada needs to unpack how our systems responded to the crisis,” Hajdu said. “We need to ensure that the structures in place are well-equipped to manage emergencies of this scale.”

Hajdu’s reflections offer a compelling glimpse into the human side of leadership during an unprecedented global event. Her experiences underscore the importance of resilience, compassion, and continuous learning in the face of extraordinary challenges.