Mr. Speaker, this week, 118 countries are meeting in Brazil to develop an action plan on the social determinants of health. Nevertheless, this government did not feel it was necessary to send representatives. In Canada, 20% of health care expenditures are related to social issues such as homelessness and unemployment.
The World Health Organization recognizes that social inequality leads to health inequities. The costs are astronomical.
Can the Minister of Health explain why she is not participating in this important international meeting?