House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2008, with 30% of the vote.
Breast Cancer March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I will be meeting early in the coming week with the Medical Research Council which governs the use of research dollars and the studies which come out of those research dollars.
I am very interested in establishing some kind of practice guidelines for these kinds of reports in order that we can reassure Canadians that when these reports are made public they are indeed factual, using factual information and data.
Breast Cancer March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am very much concerned with what happened in the report that has come out of Montreal.
Let me assure Canadians first that no Canadian dollars were used to fund any of the research by this particular physician. Many other studies have proven the kinds of treatments being administered in Canada are good and effective in the treatment of breast cancer.
Government Contracts March 16th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. I want to reassure him that patronage is not something we wish to use, either within my department or anywhere within government, when it comes to awarding any kind of contract.
Centre Of Excellence For Women's Health March 8th, 1994
Madam Speaker, we are presently preparing the criteria for the first centre of excellence for women's health. It will only be the first of several we want to establish in the near future, because it is essential that we deal with the question of women's health.
Centres Of Excellence March 8th, 1994
Madam Speaker, we are proceeding with the centre of excellence for women's health as outlined in the red book.
Right now we are in the process of outlining specific criteria and an application process. We expect to issue the call for application by June and to select a successful applicant in the fall. We would like the first centre to commence its work early in 1995.
One of the centre's initial tasks will be to determine the most important health issues for women and then to undertake further work on these issues. The ultimate objective of the centre is to increase the responsiveness of the Canadian health system to the health needs of women.
It is a known fact that only a small percentage of medical research funding in Canada has been directed toward women's health research. While the centre will address this problem, we also want to work more closely with other research funding bodies in order to encourage them to send money in the direction of research as well in women's health.
Health February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, my responsibility is for the health of Canadians and I take that very seriously.
It is very important that all of the clinical trials be done on BST so we can reassure Canadians that the milk is absolutely safe. That is my role as health minister and I intend to fulfil it.
Health February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, as I explained before, BST is a biotechnological synthetic hormone. It matches what cows already produce naturally. When injected in cows it increases the volume of milk production.
My officials are now reviewing the drug. They are doing some clinical studies on its effects. To date they have not issued a notice of compliance. Once all the clinical trials have been done and it is proven the milk is absolutely safe and there is absolutely no difference, we have very little recourse but to issue the notice of compliance at that time.
Excise Act February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I share the hon. member's concerns.
One of the challenges we face is that we are now debating Bill C-11 and it is not yet law. The sooner this law can be passed the sooner we can end the sale of these kiddie packs. It is not unlawful to sell or to manufacture them until the law receives final approval. It is essential that the bill move on as quickly as possible.
The manufacturers are very much aware. The notice is out there that very quickly it will be unlawful to produce and sell them.
It would be well and wise if we could get this piece of legislation through all stages very quickly including the Senate and royal assent stages.
Excise Act February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we are determined to end the smuggling network. That was the reason for bringing down the prices on cigarettes.
While we realize some alcohol is coming through the same network it is certainly not the same size of a problem, although it is a problem. We are convinced we will win against the networks in the law and order problem we are addressing.
When it comes to sales to young persons, liquor is not a product that can be sold to young people anywhere in the country. It is not legal now. In terms of sales of tobacco products to young people, we are trying to establish the same kind of limits. Then everyone knows it is just as illegal to sell tobacco to young people under the age of 18 as it is to sell alcohol to them. That is the basis of the changes we have brought forward. It is very important that all the people of Canada co-operate in this matter.
Excise Act February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I should explain that the fines are imposed in the case of sales of cigarettes to young people. It is true we now have inspectors, but we had them before. Their mandate is to ensure that retailers do not sell to young people.
However, the objective is to make all retailers be very careful about whom they are selling cigarettes to. As you know, some young people do not look very mature. They look more like 10-year-olds when they come to the convenience store to buy cigarettes.
Store owners should realize that these kids should not be buying cigarettes, that they should not have them, and that it is against the law. Of course we want the inspectors to do their job, but we are convinced that most retailers are or will be aware of the harmful effects of smoking. We want to ensure that young people do not have easy access to cigarettes. That is very important. So that is the other reason for removing kiddie packs.
As you know, when these kids come home with a package of cigarettes, their parents notice. These kiddie packs are much easier to hide. When you see a kiddie pack, you know it is intended for kids. That is the whole purpose.
Selling cigarettes to kids is the opposite of what we want to do. We are sure we will get the co-operation of most retailers because this is essential to the well-being of Canadian society.