Evidence of meeting #32 for Health in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was pandemic.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:55 p.m.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
My question is for Dr. Legault.
Dr. Perreault, Dr. Bélanger, Dr. Champagne and Dr. Shabah told us that COVID-19 would have an impact on patients other than those affected by COVID-19 and, more importantly, that the costs to deal with the situation would skyrocket over the next 10 years.
I imagine you agree with them. If we don't invest in the health care system now, it will cost us a lot more later.
12:55 p.m.
Vice-President, Federation of Medical Specialists of Québec
A screening colonoscopy showing a polyp costs about $1,000, including care. If that same polyp is found only two years later and has turned into colon cancer, the costs can go up to $20,000. I'm talking about a public system where the patient will have to receive radiation or chemotherapy and be absent from work for a long time.
Economically, the costs are absolutely different. Investing immediately saves us money. In terms of the social cost, it is quite obvious that if we have to do a day procedure—
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Thériault.
Mr. Davies, it's over to you for one minute. You have the hammer.
12:55 p.m.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Thanks.
Mr. Taylor, what policies do you think should be prioritized by the federal government, particularly using an equity-informed approach?
12:55 p.m.
Executive Director, FoodShare Toronto
You know, for the folks we work with, there are things that are really important. As I said earlier, they're not receiving adequate income. We need to absolutely prioritize a guaranteed livable income in this country. We also need to be building housing. When I talk to folks who are accessing charitable food, it's largely because they're spending the bulk of their money on housing. I think it was in 1993 that the Conservative government got the federal government out of building housing. In 1994 the Liberals kept us out of building housing. I think we really need to commit to building the type of affordable housing that folks need.
I also hear horrible stories about people having to split their medicine in half or go without taking the medicine they need. We also we need to prioritize ensuring that people have access to the medicines they need.
I would be remiss if I didn't add that we need a meaningful and concerted comprehensive plan to tackle racism in all of Canada's institutions, systems and public policies. Until we do that, racism will continue to bestow disproportionate harm on BIPOC communities.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Davies.
To all the witnesses, thank you for your testimony. Thank you for sharing your time with us today and for your expertise and knowledge.
To the members, thank you for all of your great questions.
With that, we are adjourned. Thank you, all.