Mr. Speaker, does the hon. member agree that this meeting of the health ministers that is about to take place ought to take place in a public fashion as opposed to the health ministers getting together behind closed doors? Does he not agree that Canadians and in particular victims of hepatitis C have a right to see who is showing true leadership, who in fact has genuine compassion when it comes to assisting those that are sick and disabled?
I am pleased that it appears the motion put forward by his colleague will carry later on this afternoon. It appears that the Liberal government will be supporting the motion. Would the hon. member go one step further and agree that the meeting should be open to the media so that all Canadians can see exactly what is happening?
Can the hon. member explain how in the first place $1.1 billion was put on the table? What mathematical calculation was used? How was $1.1 billion arrived at? Is it simply that amount divided by 22,000 or can he explain? Is there any explanation as to how that amount was arrived at in the first place?