Nathaniel Erskine-Smith at the Industry, Science and Technology Committee

On February 25th, 2021. See this statement in context.

February 25th, 2021 / 12:35 p.m.

Liberal

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON

Thanks very much.

Mr. Kobinger, I want to take time with you, because you have said today that you speak directly. You have been critical in some ways, but you have a great expertise.

I read an article recently in the National Post. It's a common talking point that I've heard at times from constituents who are quite frustrated in relation to CanSino, that it distracted from other efforts. We heard from the Public Health Agency of Canada that the investments in Medicago and in the Saskatchewan facility actually predated the work with CanSino.

I'm wondering what your thoughts are. Do you think it was a distraction or was it one among many efforts? Was it a worthwhile effort at the time?

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