Thank you, Madam Chair.
First, I'd like to say that the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act will ensure a more secure environment for handling pathogens and toxins for Canadian research. I'm introducing a bill that will strengthen safe handling practices for most dangerous pathogens and toxins. It will also balance the requirements for biosafety and biosecurity with strengthening scientific research in Canada. I'm proud that legislation will be introduced that reflects what government has heard from our partners, and we'll continue working together in order to safeguard the health of Canadians.
The Government of Canada is moving forward to fill the significant gaps in the safety and security of that area, as I mentioned before. Currently, only facilities that import human pathogens and toxins must follow the Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines, while non-importing facilities only operate under voluntary guidelines. Canada also requires improved security regarding these agents. The Human Pathogens and Toxins Act will address both these gaps to mitigate the potential risk posed by the inadvertent or deliberate release of dangerous human pathogens and toxins.
Thank you.