House of Commons Hansard #320 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Countering Foreign Interference Act Second reading of Bill C-70. The bill, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, aims to strengthen Canada's tools against foreign threats. It updates CSIS powers, creates new criminal offences, and establishes a foreign influence transparency registry. MPs generally support the bill in principle but discuss potential amendments regarding the registry's scope and the commissioner's independence. Parties agree on the need for quick passage before the next election. 14000 words, 2 hours.
Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act Second reading of Bill C-353. The bill aims to impose measures against foreign hostage takers and those who practice arbitrary detention, proposing stronger sanctions and family assistance. Liberals oppose, arguing it could endanger Canadians and conflict with international law. Conservatives support it as needed deterrence. The Bloc and NDP support committee study to address concerns about feasibility and unintended consequences. 8100 words, 1 hour.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25 Members debate the Department of Health estimates. Discussions centre on the toxic drug crisis, including the impact of decriminalization and safe supply. They review the rollout and success of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Plans for pharmacare (Bill C-64) covering diabetes and contraception are also discussed. Other topics include health transfers, provincial jurisdiction, mental health funding, and rare diseases. 35300 words, 4 hours.
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
Part of that is debate, but I want to remind the member that he is to address questions and comments through the Chair to the member in relation to the matter before the House.
The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, my bill would make it an aggravating factor during sentencing if the victim of an assault is a nurse or first responder. Can the minister tell this House what actions she can take to pass Bill C-321 today, tomorrow or anytime?
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Madam Chair, it is unfortunate that the member is not familiar with the civics and processes of this place, because the Senate is independent, and therefore it works on its timelines and its decision-making process. I am sure they are having a robust debate on the bill.
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
I want to remind the member that the questions are to be with respect to the estimates, so I just want him to ensure that his questions are pertaining to the estimates.
The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, I did ask how much money was in budget 2024 with respect to violence in the workplace.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
NDP
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
I want to remind the member that the time was stopped to ensure that his response was not going to be affected by the time. He has one minute and 11 seconds left.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, to the Minister of Health, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded heart medications?
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Ajax Ontario
Liberal
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded ALS medications?
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded asthma medications?
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, would Bill C-64 provide for any government funding for any other rare diseases?
Mark Holland Liberal Ajax, ON
Madam Chair, drugs for rare diseases are under a separate action, and that money is available: $1.5 billion will be spent.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Madam Chair, the question was regarding Bill C-64.
Can the Minister of Health tell us if Bill C-64 would provide for any government funding for any ailments other than diabetes?
Mark Holland Liberal Ajax, ON
Madam Chair, the intention of the bill is for diabetes and for contraception.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Chair, as a father of three, I empathize with many parents who worry about drugs. For instance, the Abbotsford Soccer Association decried, in an open letter, several safety issues related to drug paraphernalia, overdoses, vandalism and even rape at public fields.
Does the minister agree it is unacceptable for parents and coaches to have to sweep soccer fields for drug paraphernalia before the start of every game and practice?
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
York Centre Ontario
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks LiberalMinister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Madam Chair, as a parent myself, I will say we are always concerned about public health and public safety for our children, our families and our communities, but we have committed to a public health approach that is compassionate with a firm lens on public safety as well. This is the work that we do comprehensively with all jurisdictions across the country.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Chair, what action should parents take when they are exposed to drug paraphernalia at playgrounds and fields? Has the minister provided Canadians with a tool kit to deal with such situations?
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Madam Chair, such actions would be under the bylaws and purview of local communities, municipalities and jurisdictions. However, we have the “Know More” opioids education program, which clearly addresses that.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Chair, what would the minister say to parents who do not want to take their kids to parks, playgrounds or the beach for fear of exposure to dirty needles?
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Madam Chair, of course this is unacceptable, and I lament the member to not stigmatize this but talk about how we save lives.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Chair, does the minister agree it is important to put up warning signs on beaches for fear of exposure?
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Madam Chair, it would be for local municipalities or provincial jurisdictions to determine how they want to add that as a layer of enforcement.
Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Chair, before decriminalization was implemented in B.C., did Health Canada conduct any studies on the impact of public drug use on children? If so, can the minister please provide such information to the House?