Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to pick up where I left off with Minister Bennett, talking about the toxic drug crisis. In May 2021, as you know very well, the City of Vancouver finalized its application and final proposal to Health Canada for a section 56 exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize simple possession of illicit substances. We're approaching a year since it submitted that proposal, yet there still hasn't been a decision. At the same time, we're seeing deaths from this crisis rising every single month.
Do you feel that the delay in rendering a response is acceptable? Can you confirm by what date Health Canada will have a response for the City of Vancouver?