House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Hepatitis C May 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, first of all, as the Prime Minister has said, through the transfer payments we share in the costs of the health care system.
Second, and a very important point, the hon. member needs to keep in mind that Justice Krever recommended that a victim compensation system be set up by the provinces.
Hepatitis C May 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is not sticking to his own position. He is now saying that fault began in 1981, so compensation should start then. In essence he is agreeing with us, he is just drawing the line at a different place. The member is saying that only after 1981 victims should be compensated. What about victims before 1981? Is the hon. member suggesting a two tier system for victims?
The member is caught in the falsity of his own arguments.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I think out of respect for the ministers I should communicate with them directly and I intend to do that.
I will have a response for the member at the earliest possible date in connection with the prospect of a meeting of all ministers on this subject.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, once again I acknowledge the constructive approach of the hon. member and I thank her for it.
I will be speaking again with Minister Serby from Saskatchewan, who is the chair this year of the provincial ministers. The ministers will no doubt have their own responses to this development in Ontario.
If it would be helpful, I am certain that the ministers will be prepared to meet and discuss this matter.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have told the member and his colleagues that in view of the new development we are to find out what the position of Ontario is and to respond appropriately.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the ministers of health of 12 governments came together in good faith. On a tough issue they agreed on a common position. That has now changed.
As I have said to the hon. member's colleagues, we are to examine the new position of Ontario. We want to know the response of the other provinces, for example. We will respond appropriately when that information is known.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition should know that we discovered at one o'clock this afternoon what Ontario was proposing. Ontario is the province that has changed its position three times in the last seven days. We apparently have a new position from Ontario, but I for one would rather find out directly from Ontario and when we do find out we will react appropriately.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I think the member should remember that the Krever report, which went into all of this history in great deal and examined what problems resulted in the tragedy, made it clear that while the federal government regularly played a part, the provinces as proprietors and the Red Cross as operator of the system were also at fault. I reassure the member we will look at what Ontario is proposing. If it is a significant development then we shall respond appropriately.
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, let me repeat for the member because she should know that if it was not for the leadership of the Prime Minister's government, then victims of hepatitis C would not be compensated at all.
When we did meet, ministers in good faith did their best to come to an agreement on a difficult decision. We all agreed on a position. Ontario has now apparently changed its position. That is an important development. As I have said to the House and I say to the member, we will now take a look at what it is Ontario—
Hepatitis C May 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated to the member and to the House, we are going to find out from Ontario, from more than a wire story, what it is that Ontario is saying. I will be speaking with Clay Serby who is the minister from Saskatchewan, this year's chair for the provincial ministers. If appropriate, then the ministers will meet.