House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Health October 26th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, over a year ago this government announced that the era of cuts to health care was over. Last year one of the first things we did as we emerged from the deficit of the past was to reinvest in health care by restoring $1.5 billion to the transfer payments. The commitment of this government to the public single funder system of health care is unequivocal. That is why the Prime Minister has said clearly that health will be the subject of our next major reinvestment, and it will be.
Health Care October 26th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we have our own policies. Based on these policies, health is a key priority, and we intend to reinvest in that sector soon.
Health Care October 26th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we increased transfers. Last year, we increased them by $1.5 billion, and we have already said that health is a key priority for this government. We intend, when we are in a position to do so, to reinvest in health, in partnership with the provinces.
Health October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the member has his chronology a bit wrong. The Krever commission reported when we were in office, inquiring into events that occurred when his party was in office.
Health October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there was a report tabled just last week from an advisory group on this whole question. That report has been received by Health Canada officials and technical people and is being examined very carefully.
I should tell the member in response to his question more broadly that we have a world class surveillance system at Health Canada in relation to contaminants, including CJD. CJD is the subject of an extensive research project that has been started at Health Canada so that we can better understand this new class of prion contaminants in blood. I assure the House we take the risk very seriously.
Health Protection Branch October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, once again, just to introduce an air of reality to these proceedings, the hearings today concerned the question of rBST which is an additive in milk that is approved in the United States and has been for years.
Health Canada has not approved rBST and it will not approve rBST unless and until we are satisfied that it is safe and appropriate for use in Canada.
On the subject of the alleged gag order, the member should know that after the Senate committee subpoenaed the scientists from Health Canada they first did not want to go. I had officials write to them to encourage them to go and remind them of their obligation to testify.
Health October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I will respond to the member when I am fully informed. I will very carefully examine the facts that he has referred to today to determine whether they are accurate.
Health October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I will look into the matter raised by the member and respond when I am fully informed.
Health October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the priority for us is health. We have already acted on this priority and it is our intention to deliver on this commitment.
As the Prime Minister said, our next major reinvestment would be in health and, to this end, I plan to work together with my provincial partners.
Health October 22nd, 1998
—and the Prime Minister also stated that health would be at the heart of our next major reinvestment.