Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I want to welcome all of you to the health committee. I want to especially welcome our guests today.
We are studying the government's role in addressing prescription drug abuse.
We have four witnesses from the Department of Health.
We have Robert Ianiro, director general, Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch. My goodness, that's a long title and a lot of responsibility. Welcome.
We have Sandra Bruce, director general, Non-Insured Health Benefits Directorate, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. Welcome.
We have Debra Gillis, acting director general, Interprofessional Advisory and Program Support, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada. Welcome.
We have Dr. John Patrick Stewart, senior executive director, Therapeutic Products Directorate. Welcome.
It's my understanding that we have one presenter today. Usually we allot five to seven minutes per person, but today I will give you twenty to twenty-five minutes, Mr. Ianiro. I know the committee is very anxious to hear what you have to say.