Health Committee on June 20th, 2023

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Just a minute, Mr. Thériault.

All right. You may continue.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

I'll begin with the easiest part. First, we have to amend the French version.

I propose that, at line 10 on page 2 of the French version, we replace the word "déterminer" with "identifier". The French word "déterminer" is much more general than the word "identifier". The word "identify" is used in the English version, and the same terms are used in English and French in subsequent paragraphs (b), (c) and (d).

Have you received the text?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Yes, I have it, but I'm informed that this isn't a subamendment to amend the amendment we're discussing, which is amendment LIB-1. However, you could propose it later in the process after amendment G-1. That would be the appropriate moment. We could debate it then.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

All right.

In that case, let's move on to the main amendment.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

I will briefly turn the floor over to the legislative clerk because she is speaking to me at the same time you are. It would probably be easier if she addressed the committee directly.

[Émilie Thivierge]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Thériault, I would ask you to forward what you have just proposed in writing. As the chair just said, considering the lines you just mentioned, the right time to move your amendment would be after amendment G-1.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

I've been informed that it's been forwarded to the clerk. It has all been provided in writing.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Thank you. We will come back to it. Do you have anything to add?

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

May I read the amendment?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

All right.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

Would you prefer that we distribute the paper copies first?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

We will finish the debate and vote on amendment LIB-1. Then you may introduce your amendment once we have dealt with amendment G-1.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

So you want—

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Not yet.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

I know, but aren't we discussing amendments G-1 and LIB-1?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

We are still discussing amendment LIB-1. Then we'll go to amendment G-1.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

All right.

Amendment LIB-1 may be adopted as moved. Then an amendment will be proposed. I say that because this is starting to get a bit complicated.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Next we have Dr. Hanley and then Dr. Powlowski.

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

My point is somewhat moot now, but it relates more to the wording, so it's probably more appropriate to wait until after LIB-1.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

As you wish.

Dr. Powlowski.

[Marcus Powlowski, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON]

As this is public and as people can go back and look at it on the record, I want to clarify something.

It has come up a couple of times that treatment guidelines are the jurisdiction of the province, whereas almost all treatment guidelines are national, to my knowledge—like the Canadian Cardiovascular Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

I think more of the concern, though, is that, with this legislation, the government would require that there be guidelines. I think, probably, the government shouldn't be in the business of requiring the medical profession to set guidelines in certain areas. I think that would be the reason we have removed the setting of guidelines from the actual legislation.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Is there any further discussion with respect to LIB-1?

Before I put the question, I need to inform you that if LIB-1 is adopted, G-2 cannot be moved due to a line conflict. In essence, the last-minute change to LIB-1 effectively incorporated G-2, so it would not be in order if LIB-1 passes.

(Amendment agreed to)

That brings us to G-1.

Mr. van Koeverden.

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Mr. Chair, G-1 is for clause 2, and it replaces line 8 on page 2, “The national strategy must describe the various forms of eye disease and include measures to”, with “The national strategy must describe the various forms of eye disease and may include measures to”.

Does everybody have a copy of that?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

It is as was circulated, just for clarity of committee members, so the amendment is in order.

Is there any discussion with respect to amendment G-1?

(Amendment agreed to)

That brings us to the amendment that was raised by Mr. Thériault.

Mr. Thériault, I believe now is the time to make your comments on line 10.

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

Yes, that's it.

Do you want the paper version or should I proceed orally?