What is important to know about this conference is that the $3 million was used to bring the officials around the table and also to literally set the scientific agenda for the research that has yet to be conducted. We have yet to see the research. We have yet to see the results of the research.
What's important for Canadians to know is that there is a separation between the blood regulator and the government. What happened during the campaign—this came from our youth wing, and you would have seen it at the doors—is that the youth wing and many coalitions from around the country pushed very hard and we ran as a party to get the blood ban down to zero. When you look at the science in other jurisdictions in the rest of the world, this position is supported.
We are moving as fast and as well as we can as a government. We cannot tell CBS and Héma-Québec to reduce this to zero. That's not how this works. The blood regulators, with the best science they have at their disposal, make a recommendation to Health Canada. Then Health Canada approves that reduction in the deferral period.
The conference is an important first step in getting the data. At best, LGBTQ2 Canadians are invisible in the data. When you talk sub-populations of the LGBTQ2 population, the data isn't any more forthcoming. We need to understand the behavioural risks of populations. We also need to empower scientists who believe they can have a blood-screening system that can unequivocally tell us what is in the blood supply.
As to participation, I wasn't informed about the inability of Conservative MPs or other MPs to be involved. My role as special adviser is non-partisan. I'm here to advance the causes of LGBTQ2 Canadians regardless of political stripe. I want Canadians regardless of political stripe to give blood and be able to get blood.
If we can get more blood in the supply and it's more inclusive, that's what I'm here for. I can tell you the Minister of Health is moving fast on this. As an evidence-based government, we need to see the data and that's why this was an important first step. I appreciate your work on the file.