Mr. Chair, I thank the member for his presentation and his contribution at the health committee.
I am pleasantly surprised that his description of the industry, though there may be some differences in some of the specifics, is pretty accurate. Compared to some of the hysterics and questionable comments that we heard earlier this evening, the member is quite correct in the context of the argument.
For example, he recognizes that the industry has plateaued at about a billion dollars. It has not increased as what was claimed earlier. A lot of businesses have gone offshore, which is a point that I tried to make earlier tonight and seemed to be lost on some of the members across the floor.
When dealing with reasonable arguments, there is a lot of commonality in where the parties stand. I think we all agree that bulk exports are out of the question and that the appropriate safeguards should be in place.
I think the concern that exists goes to unintended consequences. We have not seen the proposal in its final form, but there seems to be room for concern about the fact that there are many situations where the patient does not see the doctor in a face to face situation. There are also concerns about provincial jurisdiction.
As a member of the health committee, could the member comment on why the minister has taken so long to act when clearly the health committee and the House have stated that bulk exports simply cannot be allowed?