Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health enjoys the full support and confidence of the government. His unwavering commitment and hard work to obtain financial assistance for victims of hepatitis C as a result of blood therapy is known to all and bore fruit when provincial and territorial governments collectively announced with the federal government the financial assistance package for those victims during the period from 1986 to 1990, a period clearly identified by Mr. Justice Krever as a time when those responsible for Canada's blood system could have and should have acted to prevent this type of infection but did not.
Achieving a consensus is never easy in a federal system but it is essential in sustaining the strength of the Canadian federation. It is therefore a tribute to the health minister that he was able to weave that consensus premised on the principle of governmental responsibility. We all know the events of the past couple of weeks necessitated revisiting this initial consensus but that does not detract from its desirability.
Following that meeting a working group of officials was created to review a number of possible options to address remaining questions on the issue. That they have agreed to this process indicates that all parties understand the importance of finding a pan-Canadian response. Members of this House have a duty to facilitate directly and indirectly the attainment of that pan-Canadian consensus. It serves the interests of all when we achieve it. It serves the interests of none if we fail.
Leadership is best tested during difficult times. I assure the House that at all times during this difficult process the federal Minister of Health has always enjoyed the full support and confidence of the Prime Minister, his cabinet colleagues and fellow government caucus members.