Mr. Speaker, the politically artificial October 15 deadline imposed by the health minister on the provinces is rapidly approaching.
Why was it imposed? Some provinces have dared to reform their health care system in the best interests of their residents by offering them choice. Alberta, for example, by addressing the chronic problems in their health care system, may be penalized $7 million annually.
Now there are indications that the minister may be backtracking on her original edict. Officials in her department have stated that October 15 is only the date when they will determine whether some provinces are violating provisions of the Canada Health Act. Financial penalties may be some months down the road.
It is clear the minister's line in the sand is being blown away; blown away by the wind of reform and innovation; blown away by the need for a new Canadian federalism.