Mr. Speaker, we have seen throughout this entire debate the government finger pointing, blaming the provinces for these problems and refusing to take a leadership role.
We on this side of the House have proposed some solutions and we will keep proposing them. These solutions have been supported by various groups across Canada and we hope that the government will pay close attention to them.
We proposed three simple solutions. First, we proposed that the government in co-operation with the provinces, territories and industry develop a nationwide strategy to anticipate, identify and manage shortages of essential medications. Second, we proposed that drug manufacturers be required to promptly report to Health Canada any disruptions or discontinuations of production. Furthermore, we would ask that the government expedite the review of regulatory submissions in order to make safe and effective medications available to the Canadian public.
Why is the government content to keep finger pointing? The NDP has proposed solutions. We propose that the government take a leadership role.