Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support today the decision made by the Minister of Health and his partners from the provinces and territories with regard to the compensation of hepatitis C victims. Of course, the easy way for the minister would be to simply pay all those who are asking the government for compensation.
Opposition members seem to believe that moral superiority belongs to those who favour the easiest and quickest solution: offering a global compensation package today without thinking about the consequences it would have tomorrow. However, it is clear that moral superiority belongs to those of us, on the government side, who will oppose the motion.
We have chosen to oppose the motion because we accept the responsibility given to us by Canadians to protect the health care system that is cherished by everyone in this country.
I would like to conclude these brief remarks by congratulating the Minister of Health for having the courage of his convictions and for holding up in the face of harsh, misinformed and petty criticism from those who would want us to compromise the long term welfare of Canadian society for short term political gain.