I believe it's very relevant. Certainly when the motion was brought forward and when the amendments were brought forward, a number of opportunities were given to those individuals to express their concerns and to share why we're talking about it.
I'm trying to reaffirm that we need to talk about it in the appropriate committee. What's happening here is an abuse of our privileges in this committee to do other work that's important, as much as this is important. It should not be part of this committee. We should be dealing with it where it appropriately belongs.
I'm going to proceed as follows.
“The situation”, as I made reference to, “is very heartbreaking, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to find solutions to tackle the overdose crisis and save lives.”
HESA is listening to Canadians. They include frontline workers, people who use drugs and their families. They're talking to communities and indigenous partners. All orders of government are engaged, including the jurisdictional authorities where they lie. It's stated that:
Each story and community is unique, and it is clear that no single intervention will turn the tide. Experts have repeatedly told us that only a holistic, comprehensive spectrum of supports will achieve [the solutions or the outcomes] that we all want to see achieved: deaths averted and wellness and health restored.
That's ultimately our goal. That's ultimately what we're trying to achieve. It's not about doing YouTube hits. It's not about going out there asking for individuals to fundraise on behalf of the lives of individuals who are being impacted. It's disrespectful and disgraceful to be using these committees for members to foster their own political agenda and fundraising activities. The Government of Canada, I believe, and all of us around this committee have a responsibility.
It's stated that:
[We've] taken a range of actions to address the overdose crisis. Guided by recently renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, we have put compassion and dignity [at the front] and at the centre of our approach. Canada's model puts in place a comprehensive and evidence-based continuum of supports, including drug prevention initiatives to educate Canadians on the risks of abuse of substances before substance use begins.
It's all based on evidence. It's all based on need, and on a couple of other—