I know--and it was reiterated to me in the reply from Minister Raitt--that on June 16 Minister Aglukkaq announced that the federal government would provide $6 million. But I believe that was for research funding to assess alternative medical and diagnostic procedures that could potentially alleviate it. I don't believe it was for any direct funding, compensation, or help for provinces or patients.
I characterized that there is a constructive working relationship between staff at the ministry and staff at Health Canada. I want to assure members of the committee that we are doing our best to work together. I'm looking for leadership at the federal level to recognize the challenge and to redress and mitigate the effect it will have on cancer and cardiac patients, their families, and the health care providers in the province of Ontario and across Canada.
As for the delay in replying to my correspondence, I think those questions would be better addressed to Minister Raitt and Minister Aglukkaq. Perhaps they will provide you with some understanding of what their time imperatives are.