WINNIPEG – A local epidemiologist says the biggest challenge to preparing for the continuing COVID-19 pandemic is the four year election cycle.

Cynthia Carr says health policy requires long-term planning while politics focuses short-term gains.

Carr, who advises governments, says while people like her are making long-range plans, the federal and some provincial governments are getting ready for fall campaigns.

Carr’s comments come as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wraps up a two day retreat with his Liberal caucus on how to protect Canadians from a possible second wave of coronavirus.