Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, we're going to tell the truth today. It's been 30 years since Quebeckers developed the expertise to administer their own pharmacare program, without federal assistance. We didn't ask you for a single cent and we've never needed your expertise. What's more, you don't have that expertise, since you don't currently have a pharmacare program. I recognize that you have good intentions and that it's a good idea. That's great. We're in agreement there.
Currently, 45% of the population of Quebec is covered under a public drug plan, while the remaining 55% of Quebeckers are covered under a private plan.
Minister, what can the federal government do better than the Quebec government, which has 30 years of experience?