Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to all of you for being here today. It's very cogent, powerful testimony.
Ms. Henry, we know that Dr. Perry Kendall, the senior medical health officer for British Columbia, has declared a public health emergency in the province. He is quoted as saying that “an effective collaboration with the federal government could really have major impact on reducing overdose deaths”.
Could you briefly explain to us what led Dr. Kendall to declare a public health emergency in British Columbia, and do you believe that we need a national public health emergency declared?