Mr. Speaker, today I rise to comment on the growing threat of infectious diseases and emerging infections.
Our civilization is at a crossroads where diseases once thought to be a menace of the past are once again becoming a health threat.
The emergence of diseases such as tuberculosis is creating concern on the public health front. The federal government along with its provincial counterparts must remain sufficiently prepared to combat this threat.
Although Canada is also at a debt and deficit crossroads, there is a great need to maintain the laboratory centre for disease control and encourage provinces to enhance public health surveillance.
To adequately evaluate and monitor vaccine issues such as new vaccine submissions, safety and efficiency, we must ensure that there is sufficient knowledgeable staff and physician expertise at the health protection branch of Health Canada.
The same problem exists for Canada's blood supply. We must be constantly alert in monitoring problems in the supply of this, our most precious resource.
I urge the federal government and its provincial counterparts to remain committed to the fight against infectious diseases and emerging infections.