Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has made reference to statements I made at a convention of our party. I wish to share with the hon. member some statements: "Saskatchewan has a stronger health system today than it did four years ago. The provincial health spending has stabilized and better health services are now being provided". This was from the provincial minister of health in Saskatchewan.
In the province of Quebec, Mr. Rochon said on May 28, 1996 in the Medical Post : Less money can be devoted to health care while maintaining the same level of population health''. Dr. Rochon set a target of 8.5 per cent of gross domestic product as the level that Quebec's health care expenditures should not exceed.We can devote less money to that sector while maintaining accessibility of care in the level of the health of the population''.
These are provincial ministers of health who have the direct responsibility to deliver health care. It is not the Reform Party that should stand in this House and condemn provincial governments for the hard work they are trying to do to protect and enhance the health of Canadians. Shame on the Reform Party.