Mr. Speaker, I again must emphasize that the provinces and territories deliver health care. I work with the Quebec provincial health minister who I have spoken to in regard to this situation. The provincial health ministers know best what their hospital requirements are with respect to supplies. The provincial governments have contracts with their suppliers who tell them what products they need when and where. Each jurisdiction signs a contract with the industry to purchase its drug supplies.
When we were dealing with the isotope shortage situation, we diversified our supply chain. The lesson learned in that situation should be applied in this situation. Jurisdictions should also diversify their supply chain for the drugs that are used within their hospitals.
We will continue to work with the jurisdictions and the provincial and territorial health ministries to ensure that they have a backup plan with respect to the contracts they have with drug suppliers.