I want to thank you so much for coming today.
I want to mention that for me, as a new member of Parliament, this study was put forward by my colleagues in the NDP. It's an excellent opportunity for me to grow my understanding. I do appreciate that you said “people to people”, because I need a lot grace. You're going to have to put up with me while I ask you a whole bunch of questions. I really do appreciate that you're here.
Before I go forward with this, Mr. Chair, I would like to move the motion that I put forward and was handed out by the clerk, I believe, in a timely fashion.
I move:
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), that the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs undertake a study, over 18 meetings, regarding the anti-malaria drug commonly known as mefloquine, Mefliam, Lariam and other brand names. Beginning with the first use of the drug distributed to CAF members through to present day. The study will consider all aspects of the use of mefloquine et al. by the CAF, including but not limited to: distribution, pricing, clinical testing, dosing, follow-up, side effects, a review of the latest research, a comparison with the experience of our allies and other related topics. The findings of this study are to be reported the House.
With the testimony today by Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire at National Defence, he reiterated a lot of what he has said at this committee. He is on record with regard to mefloquine that as a commanding officer he had to take this drug when he was in Rwanda. He said outright that it damaged his mind. It damaged his gut. It damaged his ability to lead, to where he had his staff watching him. He requested permission to quit using this drug. He was contacted and said that the quickest response ever by the higher-ups told him to continue or he would be court-martialled for a self-inflicted wound.
At this committee, I then asked him if we should study this further? He said,“No, you should just get rid of this drug.” We have him testifying again. We have had testimony at this committee from individuals who have suffered from mefloquine toxicity, and the rallies that have taken place on the Hill. We know what is going on with our allies with regard to this drug. It has impacted all levels of our armed forces. We hear from our veterans who have been required to take it right up until Afghanistan.
For that reason, this is a priority that we need to study. I request that we pass this motion.