Evidence of meeting #5 for Health in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was program.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
Health Canada grants approval, of course, but it is the provinces that make their own choices and decide which drugs to pay for. I'm not just talking about cancer drugs, but drugs of all kinds.
This is really work that needs to be done with the provinces and their residents. The provinces determine the priorities. For our part, we grant approval, but the provinces can decide whether or not to cover the drug.
Liberal
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Thank you.
Now I want to talk about dental care. I know I received very positive feedback in my riding, Brampton South. Last week, you announced that over five million Canadians are now covered under the CDCP and can receive the dental care they need. Millions of Canadians who previously could not afford a dentist now have coverage. In some cases, for the first time in years, they have been able to see oral health professionals.
Could you speak to how this plan is improving access and strengthening the health and well-being of Canadians?
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
First of all, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is one of the largest social programs and one of the largest health programs we have in this country. We are already seeing that far fewer people are going to the emergency room for mouth problems than before, simply because they have access to a dentist. This program is clearly helping the population get better care. It must be said that oral health is also part of overall health.
Liberal
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Thank you.
I just want to talk, Minister, about the opioid crisis.
You know, the mission is to save lives and help Canadians affected by the toxic drug supply. From your conversations with medical professionals and community organizations, what steps do you see as the most important to prevent deaths and protect Canadians?
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
As I said earlier, the reality is that we cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction and mental health issues. There are so many factors that can lead to these kinds of problems, so there are many different ways to address them. Supervised consumption sites and treatment are avenues to explore. In addition, drugs are becoming more and more complex over time. So we need to look at that.
Honestly, we will have this conversation with our provincial counterparts. I believe that the provinces are trying different things. In fact, we must not be overly dogmatic at this time, but simply try different approaches. When something does not work, we must be honest enough to acknowledge it and continue working to find the best solution. I have already discussed this with my provincial and territorial counterparts, and one positive development is that they are willing to look at who has tried what and what the best practices are to see how we can achieve better results.
It is certainly a scourge; no one wants to see people dying, and no one wants to see people struggling with addiction. I think that's true for all of us here in the federal government, but also for people in the provinces. However, people in the provinces have to deal with the complexity of what they are seeing on the ground.
Liberal
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Minister, I know you are leaving after this round, but quickly, can you talk about how you and your team are integrating youth services, which are becoming an important way to support young Canadians with their mental health by bringing different supports together under one roof?
I know there has been a federal investment in the helpline. How would it help to expand these services? Could you share why this model is so important and how it is helping young people especially?
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
I believe we need more and more of them. I hope I can continue to fund these centres. I think we currently have 108, and 30 more are in the process of opening. The provinces are asking me for more because they see the impact they are having on the ground.
The important thing is to set up these facilities as close as possible to communities so young people can access them. They need to be easily accessible and provide a place where young people can get together.
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
—these integrated centres are developed with young people in mind.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Dan Mazier
Thank you, Minister.
We will move on to Mr. Thériault for two and a half minutes.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Madam Minister, earlier you rightly said that it was necessary—
Liberal
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
I have a point of order, Chair.
It's well over an hour now, and I understand the minister needs to leave.
October 9th, 2025 / 12:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Dan Mazier
That's up to the minister. If she can stay, that would certainly be appreciated.
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
I will answer Mr. Thériault's question, then I will have to leave.
Conservative
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Madam Minister, you rightly spoke about access to care. You mentioned a potential solution, namely credential recognition. I agree with that.
However, how do you reconcile that with the lack of investment? The indexation thresholds under the health transfer agreement are decreasing over the years, so that after 10 years, the federal share will be 19%. The provinces will therefore have to foot 81% of the bill.
If we are unable to pay the costs of the system and we fall to 3%, how do you expect us to hire people?
Liberal
Marjorie Michel Liberal Papineau, QC
Mr. Thériault, you should know that this is part of my discussions with the provinces. The federal government has made a commitment regarding the health transfer amounts for the next cycle.
I believe that all the provincial health ministers and I agree that we need to take a fresh look at the health care system. Given the complexity of the needs, we will have to think about providing services in a different way.