Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister might be a little early in congratulating the health minister. We have learned today that Health Canada had already ordered 800,000 Cipro pills from Bayer before it contacted Apotex.
An order for 400,000 pills was made by Health Canada on October 9 and was confirmed with a purchase order. An additional order for 400,000 pills was ordered on October 15, again confirmed with a purchase order. Bayer officials say there were no further discussions about quantities.
Why did the Minister of Health feel it was necessary to break the patent law by ordering pills from Apotex?