Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I agree with what Ms. Sidhu mentioned. I'm glad the opposition, in moving the actual motion, stuck to the text and not the preamble that they had in the letter, because the preamble they had informing this meeting was....
I don't think the Conservatives have seen a conspiracy theory that they don't love. To suggest that the federal government needs to direct Canadians on AstraZeneca and that they don't believe it should be scientists informing these decisions....
I'm glad we will have the professionals, the scientists here to explain that, because there seems to be confusion caused by some members of the opposition spreading false information, confusing information, and suggesting somehow that it is the Prime Minister who should direct provinces and territories on the administration of vaccines. I think it's a welcome opportunity to get the facts on the record because, to date, I think that is really lacking from some members of the opposition.
In terms of exports and any restrictions, my colleague just pointed out that not only are we receiving vaccines but we're exceeding our original projections. Rest assured, then, that we are in good hands. Also, thank God we don't we have a Conservative government who would have put all of their eggs in one basket, if at all.
I welcome the opportunity to have these conversations. As Ms. Sidhu pointed out, Canadians are interested as well.
Cutting through the noise and the partisan disinformation being spread as a way to create vaccine hesitancy.... I think it is incredibly damaging.
I also find it interesting to note how today my home province of Ontario is seeing the highest level of ICU admittance since the beginning of the pandemic, yet it was the Conservatives who spent an entire day telling us and Canadians that we need to reopen.
With regard to having an expert group and the scientists behind some of these decisions come forward to enlighten the opposition about the fact that this virus is real and that we need to listen to scientists and experts and not completely reopen because a few politicians think that's the right idea, I welcome that motion.
I'm so glad that the opposition is not continuing to raise the reckless point about reopening when we see this virus surging. We should be working together to ensure that there isn't vaccine hesitancy and that our world-renowned Public Health Agency is able to share the facts and the data with Canadians without it being spun for partisan purposes by some members of the opposition.
I absolutely am glad to have these conversations. Hopefully, it will stop some of the fake information that is being spouted for partisan reasons. I welcome this and really look forward to a very interesting conversation.