Thank you, Minister.
Evidence of meeting #86 for Health in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was question.
A video is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #86 for Health in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was question.
A video is available from Parliament.
9:25 p.m.
Conservative
Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Am I going to answer my own questions at committee? I wait for the day. That will be great, Minister—terrific.
9:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sean Casey
Next is Dr. Powlowski, please, with the last round.
You have two minutes.
9:25 p.m.
Liberal
Marcus Powlowski Liberal Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON
Thanks to the minister and everybody else for appearing.
We've heard accusations from the Conservatives, but I would say it has been supported by at least some health care professionals concerned about the possible diversion of safe supply, such that some of those safe supply doses of Dilaudid are getting onto the streets and ending up being sold there, therefore augmenting the supply of narcotics on the street.
Are you willing to consider the possibility that this occurs and, if so, take appropriate actions to try to curb that from happening in the future?
9:25 p.m.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Thank you for the question.
As mentioned earlier by another member, there are anecdotal reports on Reddit and elsewhere with regard to that, but what I would say, when we look at a prescriber model of medications for those who are struggling with substance use, they've made the choice to go to a health care provider for a plan. That, to me, shows signs of someone who is on a journey to recovery. Nevertheless, we are taking any allegations of diversion seriously, which is why I've asked the department to begin to look into this in a deep-dive way.
9:25 p.m.
Liberal
Marcus Powlowski Liberal Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON
I would suggest they could also be seeking narcotics to sell on the streets. That would be a possibility for why they would go for safe supply as well.
9:25 p.m.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
As I said, I would ask the department to take a deeper dive into this to ensure that we have a safer supply program and that we are addressing the enforcement piece of diversion.
9:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sean Casey
Thank you, Dr. Powlowski. That concludes the time we have with you.
This is your first appearance before the committee, Minister, and it's greatly appreciated. You have obviously come prepared, and you've answered all of our questions in a very challenging environment in a very patient manner. That is greatly appreciated.
To all of your supporting cast, thank you for being here so late.
Is it the will of the committee to adjourn the meeting?
9:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.