Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press Keep your Opinions sharp and informed. Get the Opinion newsletter. Sign up today. In truth The Great Influenza, John Barry’s book about the 1918 Spanish flu, the author concludes that the biggest problem presented by a pandemic lies in the relationship between governments and the truth. Part of that relationship requires political leaders to understand the truth and be able to handle it. Political leadership, he explains, is the weakness in any plan, and those who occupy positions of authority must retain public trust. Story continues below advertisement As columnist Elizabeth Renzetti points out, the messaging in Canada completely undermines public trust with tragic consequences. Perhaps a history lesson is in order.