OTTAWA — The federal government won’t say if Canadians who suffer harmful side effects from the new swine flu shot can take the vaccine maker to court.

The Public Health Agency of Canada will not reveal whether drug companies are shielded from H1N1 flu vaccine lawsuits in this country like they are in the United States.

“This is a complex issue which is currently being examined by the federal government,” spokeswoman Nadia Mostafa said in an email.

“It raises legal questions involving federal/provincial and public/private sector jurisdictions.”