Allan Rock

[Hepatitis C, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I suppose we could have dictated unilaterally what people would receive. Former governments have done that. It does not take into account the needs of people.

Instead, what we have under discussion with those who were infected is customized relief to look after their individual circumstances. That is the way this government does business, not decreeing in some arbitrary fashion but talking in detail with those who are affected to find out how we can best serve those needs. That is the way we think we should do business.

[Hepatitis C, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I said in response to an earlier question, I understand parties are communicating. They are discussing elements of the offer governments have made to resolve the claims.

Progress is being made. In particular, attention is being focused on those in most urgent need so that they can be provided with the help they need as soon as possible.

[Hepatitis C, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, those who have suffered by virtue of being infected with hepatitis C through the blood system in the period in question are represented by legal counsel. Those legal counsel are in the process of negotiating with the government details of the offer we have made to settle their claims. Those discussions continue.

Indeed, as I understand it, there are also separate and accelerated discussions for those in urgent need to identify people who are in need of immediate payment. We hope soon that there will be agreement on how to determine those individuals and deal with those cases very quickly.

[Hepatitis C, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, we have demonstrated some leadership with our position. A year ago, we initiated a process with the provinces. Then we presented an offer, with the provinces, to settle all pending court cases. The lawyers are now discussing the details, and we should have the results soon.

[Health, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, and it is clear, we have started re-investing.

We increased transfers by $1.5 billion 18 months ago. For us, the whole issue of health care is a top priority, and we intend to keep on re-investing in it.

[Health, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the fact is that the cuts ended 18 months ago, and we increased transfer payments by $1.5 billion over the past year.

We have already started re-investing and we intend to continue.

[Health, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, we are currently having discussions with my provincial counterparts regarding ways of improving the health care system.

However, I can tell the member that the most important thing is to recognize health as a priority, which we have done. As the Prime Minister himself has said, we intend to reinvest in that area, and we will do it soon.

[Health, November 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has already stated the government's intention to reinvest in health care, but the member will have to wait for the budget to get the details.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 30th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the department and the minister are committed to seeing that those affected by this tragedy receive the services they require. They will do everything in their power to see that is done.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 30th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the minister and the department are concerned that the family and those affected by this tragedy receive the services including counselling that they require. I can assure the member and the House that the department and the minister are taking steps to ensure that is done.