Diane Marleau

[Tainted Blood, February 15th, 1994]

I should explain, Mr. Speaker, that the March 15 deadline was set by the provinces for a provincial program that was accepted by the provinces and not for a federal program.

[Milk, February 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, BST is a technically produced product, equivalent to a naturally occurring hormone in cows. Officials in my department have not concluded their review of BST. I am aware that BST is approved in the United States, after having undergone extensive review.

My department will only issue a notice of compliance for this veterinary drug if it is safe for humans to consume milk or milk products from treated animals, and also after adequate data is supplied to support the efficacy and safety of dairy cows.

[Health, February 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, and as the hon. member knows, Canada's health care system is one of the best programs ever set up by the federal government for Canadians.

Therefore, it goes without saying that, in the discussions which we had with the Minister of Finance, we emphasized the value of our health care system.

[Tobacco Products, February 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my message has been straight and honest. Smuggling is a severe problem that is undermining health policy in this country. Part of the package announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday contains some of the toughest anti-smoking measures ever introduced in this country.

I fought hard for this package and I believe in it. The package includes things like the banning of kiddie packs. It includes the $185 million we are going to receive by taxing the excess profits of tobacco manufacturers. It includes an export tax. It includes bringing forward embossed cigarettes. It includes looking at plain packaging. It includes looking at how to control-

[Canadian Hemophilia Society, February 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, this is a judicial inquiry which was approved and started by the previous government. The budgets were set at that time. We must maintain, as I must as Minister of Health, a hands off approach to this commission because it is a judicial inquiry into what happened.

A request has come forward for additional funds and it is being studied by Treasury Board.

[Canadian Hemophilia Society, February 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I had already answered this question many times. I want to say again that the decision is up to the Office of the Treasury Board, which is in charge of considering the request.

[Health Care, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, some very tough actions had to be taken. We are pleased at having been tough enough in showing the kind of leadership Canadians wanted on the matter of contraband. We are convinced the networks will be destroyed as a result of the measures and the decisions we have taken.

[Taxation, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I support my government's decision 100 per cent. It is a balanced and comprehensive plan. It is the toughest anti-smoking package anywhere in the world.

[Canadian Hemophilia Society, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, let me explain again. This is a judicial inquiry. It is an arm's length inquiry.

Now that it has all been set, they have made a request for additional funds. It is not up to this minister to make a decision about additional funds for this judicial inquiry.

[Canadian Hemophilia Society, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I will have to check, but the requests for additional funds are under consideration by the appropriate officials. I am not the one who will make the decision and I am not the one who appointed Judge Krever or who initiated the process. I am sorry if the member has been told otherwise, but the decision was not mine.