Debates of May 29th, 2024

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Madam Chair, to the Minister of Health, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded heart medications?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Madam Chair, no.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Madam Chair, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded ALS medications?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Chair, no.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Madam Chair, would Bill C-64 provide for government-funded asthma medications?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Chair, no.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, Minister 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?