Mr. Speaker, I have been listening attentively to the hon. member's remarks. I would like to make some comments and then pose a question. The hon. member of the Bloc speaks passionately and asks the question: "Has this been thoroughly thought out?"
The government's plan for managing new reproductive and genetic technologies is based not on some kind of whim. It has not drawn something out of the air and created legislation. Its plan is based on extensive research and consultations with the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies and the examination of management practices in other countries around the world. Most important, the government has also consulted with no less than 50 stakeholder groups following the release of the royal commission's report on what direction should be taken.
This is something very big, says the hon. member for the Bloc. Yes, it will be. She questions the federal government's role. She called it "intervening". Her concern for parties talking together, as she put it, is being addressed by the federal government.
Given the complexity of these issues, it is inevitable that there will be differences of opinion among the many stakeholder groups involved in these issues. The medical profession will have an opportunity to present its views when Bill C-47 goes before the Standing Committee on Health.
The hon. member for the Bloc says she and her party are angry with the federal government's role in this area. However, let us remind the Bloc that it was her party that demanded not amendments to the Criminal Code but initially demanded legislation. The member cannot deny this. On October 7, 1994 the member for Laval Centre called for the government to table a bill to regulate practices connected with new reproductive technologies. As late as June 5, 1996 the member for Drummond said: "This area is in urgent need of legislation". It is legislation Bloc members want, not amendments to the Criminal Code, so it is legislation we produce.
This legislation will have its detractors but they are welcome to come before the Standing Committee on Health. They are welcome to make their presentations and views.
The parliamentary secretary for health and myself are cognizant of the fact that we do not have all the answers. That is why we have a committee system and why we invite members of the Bloc, the Reform and the public at large to come before the committee. The government wants them to examine this bill thoroughly and give their input to ensure its objectives, which are to protect the health and safety of Canadians, to ensure the appropriate use of human reproductive materials outside the body and to protect the dignity
and security of all persons, especially, I say to the hon. member for the Bloc, women and children, are reached.