Remi Nadeau, THE CANADIAN PRESS

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QUEBEC - Health Minister Tony Clement says the Conservative government is ready to consider changes to how it responds to epidemic cases following an independent investigation into the listeriosis outbreak involving Maple Leaf Food products.

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THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Federal Health Minister Tony Clement responds to media at the end of a federal-provincial-territorial ministers of health meeting Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 in Quebec City.

Clement made the comments at the conclusion of a meeting with his provincial counterparts in Quebec City on Friday.

Questioned during a news conference about whether he's satisfied with the way the listeriosis crisis has been managed, Clement underlined the efficiency of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the provincial authorities in quickly detecting the origins of the outbreak.

"I believe despite the fact the CEO of Maple Leaf Foods took full responsibility for the outbreak, I think it is incumbent upon us to always review what we have done as government agencies," Clement said.

"I think we have to continue the lessons learned."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has promised to launch a broad, independent investigation into the listeriosis outbreak that has resulted in the recall of more than 200 products.

There have been at least 13 deaths from the listeriosis outbreak strain linked to a Maple Leaf Foods meat plant in Toronto.

Prince Edward Island Health Minister Doug Currie echoed satisfaction with federal and provincial health agencies, but says the provinces welcome an independent inquiry.

"Certainly as provinces, we ask to be active participants in the process for the review," said Currie, who chaired the conference.

Even with a federal election set to be triggered on Sunday, provincial health ministers did not make firm demands as a group to the federal government, in particular for financing provincial food inspection agencities.

"You can't look at it like that. We're not there to tell each other what to do," said Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc. "I think everyone has their role to play and we all complement each other."