Health Committee on March 21st, 2024

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

I have no idea where the two scientists are.

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

You have no idea. Do you not read the news?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Of course.

I don't track them. I don't suspect that you know. It's the job of the RCMP. I'm not law enforcement.

If you would afford me the opportunity to speak—

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Very well, you don't know the answer to my question.

Are they living under assumed names at the current time?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Look, there's a mirror over there if you want to talk to it. If you're interested in talking to me, afford me the opportunity to speak.

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

I don't need your smart mouth answers. What I need is for you to answer the questions I'm asking you—not your smart aleck answers.

Are we to see the bombast that we had from you last time and your petulant behaviour?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

So far, with all due respect, Mr. Chair, I've been afforded no more than—

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Is that what we're going to see?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

I have not been able to get a sentence out without interruption.

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

You refuse to answer the questions, Minister. That's your problem.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

That's your interpretation and you're welcome to it—

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

No, that's the truth.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

—but not allowing me to speak, I don't understand.

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Minister, where are those two scientists now? Where are they? Do you know or not? It's simple.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Rightfully, matters as to where they are and an investigation are a matter for law enforcement—

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Do you know or not? What's the answer to the question?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

—not for a minister of health. A minister of health is not responsible for law enforcement.

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Do you know, or do you not?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Why would I know where they are?

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

The answer then is no. You have no clue.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Why would I have any clue where they are?

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Right, you have no clue. That's very clear.

Do you know that they're living under assumed names in China?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Look, I—

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Yes or no...?

These are simple questions. Do you know, or do you not?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

I'm not involved with law enforcement.