Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for being here today, Madam Minister.
You head up an outstanding department and we form a committee that is equally remarkable. Every day we talk about issues that are very important to Canadians. We have conducted many studies and produced various reports pertaining to the health of Canadians.
This morning, I would like to hear more from you about organ donation, an issue that is very important to me. In recent months, I have had the opportunity to become involved in this issue. I have even asked my fellow citizens what concerns they have about organ donation. Their response was incredible and immediate: 90% of people support organ donation. Unfortunately, only about 20% of people have signed the organ donation consent form.
There are major challenges to improve the situation of people waiting for an organ. Every year, there are 4,500 names on the waiting list of people hoping for a better quality of life, and 250 of them die before receiving an organ.
The provinces have a role to play in this regard, but so does the federal government. What nationwide initiatives are there on this issue? What does Canada intend to do to improve the health of Canadians?