Allan Rock

[Hepatitis C, May 13th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, we have written to ministers urging them to join us in welcoming representatives of the Hepatitis C Society and other associations.

I should say that the member ought not to jump to the conclusion that there is going to be a resolution tomorrow. Indeed, the provinces may take a very different position and it may not be possible to have a consensus tomorrow. We will do the best we can.

The member should bear in mind that this depends as much on what the provincial positions are as it does on what the federal position is.

[Hepatitis C, May 13th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I sent Mr. Beaty a copy of my letter to provincial and territorial ministers urging them to join me in receiving representatives of the Hepatitis C Society and, indeed, we added other societies as well who are interested in the subject so we can hear them.

The member and the House can be assured that as far as we are concerned those representatives will be accorded the respect that they are due.

[Hepatitis C, May 13th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons it is important for us to find out tomorrow what provincial positions are is that the federal government cannot resolve this issue by itself. It is the provinces which deliver the services. The hon. leader knows that.

It is very odd to listen to the leader of the Reform Party complaining about a two-tier approach to health care when he and his party are the people who call the Canada Health Act an outdated piece of legislation and who want to introduce two-tier medicine in this country.

[Hepatitis C, May 13th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, first, I would caution the Leader of the Opposition against engaging in speculation. That is something I am not going to do.

Rather, I am going to go to the table and sit with ministers of health from across Canada. I am going to find out what their views are. Some have changed their position over the last few weeks. I am going to find out from them what their approach is.

I will then determine whether it is possible to do what is in the interests of all ill people in this country, which is to have an integrated and co-ordinated approach among all levels of government to the health system to serve those who are ill. That is our objective.

[Hepatitis C, May 13th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I know that our objective in attending the meeting tomorrow is to determine from the health ministers across the country what their position is on these issues and to find out whether we can reach a new consensus on how to approach the issue of those who received hepatitis C through the blood system.

My personal commitment to this House, to the member and to all members of the parliament, is to spend my time tomorrow trying to forge with my counterparts a consensus on how to approach this problem.

[Health, May 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the facts referred to by the hon. member yesterday in question period, officials have been requested to look into the matter to find out what the facts are. I will respond to the hon. member's questions of yesterday and today as soon as they have completed that inquiry.

I share her concern that either unlicensed or unsafe products may be used. I also worry about the blood supply in general and the shortage. We continue to encourage donors to be as generous as they have in the past.

I will respond to the member when I have the information.

[Hepatitis C, May 12th, 1998]

No, Mr. Speaker.

[Hepatitis C, May 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, we must first find out what the provinces' positions are. I hope that Dr. Rochon from Quebec will attend Thursday's meeting, as I am anxious to find out Quebec's position. It is not quite clear right now, and I have a few questions for Dr. Rochon.

So, let us first ascertain the provinces' positions and then see if a consensus can be achieved among the provinces and the federal government.

[Hepatitis C, May 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the trouble with the Reform Party and this member is that when they pretend to speak of compassion for the victims, they lack credibility profoundly. They just are not credible.

We supported the resolution put by the New Democratic Party last week because we agreed that ministers should meet with victims and hear their perspective on these issues.

I have written to all provincial and territorial ministers. I have asked them to agree with me to receive victims early in the day before we consider any of these issues so that we can have their perspectives in our mind as we consult.

[Hepatitis C, May 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I thought he would be the last person in this House to talk about using victims as photo ops.

Long before this member calculated what political benefit he could derive from exploiting victims, I was meeting with them. Long before this member knew what that ribbon was, I received one. Long before that man understood this issue, I was championing their cause. He ought to keep—