Mr. Speaker, I am both honoured and proud at having been chosen by the people of Bras d'Or to be their voice in Ottawa.
The people of Cape Breton sent a strong message to this government on June 2. It is their right and the right of all Canadians to be guaranteed by this government that they will receive access to quality health care under the Canada Health Act.
It is unacceptable for the people of Bras d'Or to be forced to stand in line and take a number to access even minimal health care. These people are trying to get medical attention, not pick up a parcel at their local department store.
It is with this in mind that I intend to make the government accountable for the devastating effect that has resulted from the cuts to health care through the CHST.
The people in Bras d'Or would like to send a clear message to the government that this type of treatment will not be tolerated.
I call on the government to reverse the cuts and reinvest in health care until such time as the system addresses all the health care needs of my constituents and all Canadians.