Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My question will be directed to Mr. Lucas from Health Canada, and possibly Mr. Matthews at some point.
On May 3, 2021, the department approved interim order number 2 regarding the importation and sale of medical devices for use with COVID‑19. This order replaces the first interim order signed on May 23, 2020; it maintains the optional authorization pathway established to facilitate clinical trials of potential COVID‑19 drugs and medical devices. It does so by providing regulatory flexibility so that other types of clinical trials can be conducted effectively. The Health Canada page even takes pains to point out that interim order 2 continues to make Canada an attractive place to conduct clinical trials, which will improve Canadians' access to potential treatment options for COVID‑19.
Could you explain this regulatory flexibility to me?