Thank you. I'd like to respond to this question.
As the honourable member indicated, Canada is a relatively small consumer in the global market. Approximately 10% of medical devices used in Canada are from Canadian manufacturers; the other 90% are imported to Canada, primarily from the United States and Europe.
As we've noted, we are committed to an approach that is consistent with our draft policy and works to phase out the use of phthalates, starting with high-risk populations, where alternatives or substitutes can be found and implemented.
Our concern is that if we move too quickly to a prohibition, given that the bulk of the manufacturers are outside of the country--as I noted, 90%--Canadians could be deprived. And some of the implications could be use of devices that aren't proven effective and could kink. That's one of the potential consequences of not proving the long-term safety and effectiveness of an alternative device.
We've also noted the costs and that there will be an adjustment period for the hospitals to purchase and implement the substitutes. Right now we're looking at about ten times the cost of the current DEHP-containing ones.
With these considerations in mind, we want an approach that moves our policy and implementation of its recommendations ahead.