Madam Speaker, the changes to community-based funding were intended to identify initiatives that addressed populations in areas of Canada with the greatest need, and to allow us to prevent HIV, hep C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada.
PHAC does not question the contribution of currently funded organizations and did not base its decision on their current work. The organizations that were invited to submit full proposals were those that clearly demonstrated, through evidence, that their project had potential to reduce rates of HIV, hep C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada, and to reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
We understand that we have a lot more to do. It is why it is important that we continue to work hand in hand with provinces and territories, as well as stakeholders, partners, people living with HIV and hep C, in order to have the greatest impact possible.