Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'm very pleased to be with you today replacing my hon. colleague Mr. Thériault.
The two messages we heard gave me pause. Now that we have experienced this pandemic, others will follow. That is what I understand.
I also wondered about the role of the provinces and Quebec. While you were speaking, I looked up the word “confederation”, and it means an alliance of independent states. During a pandemic, the independent states forming a confederation must be consulted. Section 25 of the Emergencies Act actually stipulates that the lieutenant governors must be consulted before a state of emergency is declared.
I would like the witnesses to explain what consultations were held and what the outcome was. Logically, a health transfer should have resulted from the consultations, to address the critical needs during the pandemic.
A situation like this must not occur again. Obviously, we need to respect each other's powers, but each state must have the necessary tools and means, depending on factors like culture, language or territory. As I have heard so clearly, things vary greatly.
First, I invite Professor Hardcastle to comment on what can be imposed on all provinces.