Mr. Speaker, even supposing an optimistic scenario in which Ottawa does provide additional funding, it would still hardly be possible to reduce the waiting lists and overcome the staffing and equipment shortages at the Centre hospitalier des Vallées de l'Outaouais--Hôpital de Hull unless the Government of Quebec also makes a firm commitment to invest.
The Government of Quebec promised to solve the pay equity issue involving nursing and all professional staff before December 31, 2002 at the Centre hospitalier des Vallées de l'Outaouais--Hôpital de Hull. However, to this day nothing has yet been resolved.
One only has to spend time at this hospital to see that it is lacking in nurses, attendants, the latest technology and emergency room space.
Despite all of these problems, doctors, nurses and hospital staff work relentlessly to provide patients with the best quality care.