Thank you, Mr. Chair.
After the last speaker and my colleague...I don't disagree with him in terms of wanting to raise questions of those who put out..., whether it's NACI or Health Canada, to further explain their positions and rationale.
Absolutely, we've been transparent since the beginning. I think those organizations and those officials can absolutely do that. What I take exception to, and what I mentioned in my earlier comments, are these comments around “We should have done this”, and “We should have put on limitations”.
It is not for politicians to determine the scientific validity around the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. It is not for this health committee. It is not for the Prime Minister; it is not for the Minister of Health. It is for scientists and experts. That's precisely who put out these reports, whether it's NACI providing advice.... Then it's up to provinces and territories.
I'm confused by my colleague suggesting that we should tell the Province of Quebec how to administer vaccinations. That's not correct. If there are questions around the positions of NACI or Health Canada, and clarifications are needed, absolutely, let's have those conversations. I, in this new role, would absolutely work with you as well if you require additional technical briefings. I'm happy to do that. But let's be very clear. Number one, it is not up to politicians to determine the advice, at the federal level, to tell provinces how to administer vaccinations. Number two, it is not up to the federal government and to politicians to determine the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations. That is why we have a world-class regulator. When it comes to AstraZeneca, I think there is information that we can happily discuss, but it's that precise idea that we, as politicians, should make this decision that I take great exception to. I look forward to the meetings so Canadians can have those questions answered by scientists, and not politicians.