Evidence of meeting #76 for Health in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amr.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Wendy Levinson  Chair, Choosing Wisely Canada
Andrew Morris  Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Sinai Health System
Yoav Keynan  Scientific Lead, National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases
Suzanne Rhodenizer Rose  Past President , Infection Prevention and Control Canada
Jennifer Happe  Officer and Director, Infection Prevention and Control Canada

5:15 p.m.

Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Sinai Health System

Dr. Andrew Morris

In Quebec there's a tremendous industry in diagnostics. I personally have a dream that when a patient is being prescribed an antibiotic, they're being prescribed an antibiotic only when the doctor or whoever is prescribing knows that there's an infection and knows exactly what they're prescribing, right?

One of the problems we have is that doctors don't actually know if the patient has a bacterial infection, and even if they do, they don't know what organism they're treating. Diagnostics and choosing wisely the diagnostic tests would absolutely help in this effort. That kind of innovation is absolutely necessary.

On top of that, today we don't have all the technology available at the bedside but it's foreseeable, so at least then we should have the available data. We should be able to say, based on the patient's GPS coordinates, that we know what germs are circulating and their drug resistance. If we don't have a bedside test, we should be able to say what the best antibiotic is for this infection in this patient.

Those two things are foreseeable in the next five to 10 years, but it requires investment. It's investment that wouldn't require new drug development, but it does require investment in infrastructure for the data science and the research and innovation in, for example, the diagnostics industry.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bill Casey

Okay. The time is up.

I don't know how we can thank you enough for the testimony you have given us. I often say that we have the best witnesses of any committee on the Hill, and you've certainly supported that today and ensured it.

The clerk has your information, Dr. Morris, so we'll be in touch with you about Mr. Van Kesteren's proposal. When you put that together, the more voices and the more organizations you can have in it, the better. Voices count here.

I want to tell you that you've already made a difference, because when I go to the doctor, I want an antibiotic—I don't care what's wrong with me. I'm not going to do that anymore, so you've already made progress. I bet 99% of the people in Canada don't know about this issue. That's a big part of the problem right there: public awareness. Surely we can help with that. We look forward to your presentation.

We still have several meetings to go on this subject, but you've added an awful lot to the study. I want to thank you very much on behalf of the entire committee.

Mr. Webber wants to say something.

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

Len Webber Conservative Calgary Confederation, AB

It's very short.

Dr. Morris, who do we cut the cheque to for that $100 million?

5:15 p.m.

Voices

Oh, oh!

5:15 p.m.

Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Sinai Health System

Dr. Andrew Morris

To CANresist.

5:15 p.m.

Conservative

Len Webber Conservative Calgary Confederation, AB

Okay.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bill Casey

I wouldn't spend that money yet.

5:15 p.m.

Voices

Oh, oh!

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bill Casey

Anyway, thanks very much on behalf of the committee. It's great testimony.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ron McKinnon Liberal Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC

May I have a quick follow-up question?

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bill Casey

Yes.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ron McKinnon Liberal Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC

On that $100 million, is that per year or over five years or...?

5:15 p.m.

Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Sinai Health System

Dr. Andrew Morris

Let's say it's over five years.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ron McKinnon Liberal Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC

Thank you.

5:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bill Casey

Okay.

The meeting is adjourned.