Madam Chair, it is a very important first line. Most people do go to their family doctors, and there are too many Canadians who do not have access to a family doctor. We need to do more. We have to work with the College of Physicians. We have to work with the provinces.
We also need to help people who have come to this country who have qualifications to be working in this field. I agree with the member opposite who spoke about funding lay people to work in this field. Certainly, we have a lot of expertise. We also need more medical schools. I am in consultations right now with the president of York University. We are talking about building a new medical school in our area.
There is a desperate need for more doctors. I believe we can work collaboratively with the different organizations, provinces and territories to try to address this very severe need, one that is more in the north and rural areas.