Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the question from the member for Saint John. She raises a very important issue for this health care debate. It is a concern that I share and one that I have raised as well with the Minister of Veterans Affairs. That is the question of national standards when it comes to hospitals for veterans and continuing care generally for those who fought so long and hard in wars and sacrificed so much.
The issue here is one of support for our veterans. It is also one about an appropriate role for the federal government. The question of national standards is surely an area which begs for action. Whether we are talking about veterans hospitals and care for our elderly or whether we are talking about approval of drug therapies or a human resource strategy, there is a desperate need for the federal government to present national standards in collaboration and co-operation with the provinces. That would make a difference.
Finally, the member raises a very important point about the aging population. I want to use this opportunity to use the evidence which has been presented by many experts in the field. Those who suggest that our aging population is causing a crisis in the health care system are wrong. It is a bogus argument and must be debunked. If we care for our elderly, the seniors of this country who make a very important contribution to our society, and ensure that the appropriate services are in place for them, we end up saving money for our health care system.