House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Genetically Modified Organisms May 8th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, all genetically modified foods must be submitted to Health Canada for evaluation and determination of whether they are as safe as other foods available in Canada.
As well, Health Canada has struck a committee of experts to examine Health Canada regulations in order to ensure that we are acting in an appropriate manner.
Health May 8th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the member for London West has been among the most outspoken in the change of government policy which has led to making medical marijuana available on a compassionate basis for those who are very ill.
I am pleased to announce that last Friday there was a request for a proposal for quality research grade, affordable, medical marijuana, a safe and lawful source for those with exemptions and a real help with the clinical research we will be undertaking.
Health May 8th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the minister said last week clearly that NAFTA provides the opportunity to Canada to protect its own health care system. Indeed that is what we are doing.
In terms of the Canada Health Act the principles are there to be respected. The Prime Minister has made it clear that if and when the bill is adopted and implemented, we will monitor to ensure that there is no threat to the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Health May 8th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have assured the House time and again that we will do what is necessary to protect Canada's health care system. If and when bill 11 is adopted and implemented by the Government of Alberta, we will be vigilant to ensure as the Prime Minister has said that the principles of the Canada Health Act are respected. As the Minister for International Trade said last week in the House, we will ensure that Canada's health care system remains its own regardless of international agreements.
Health May 5th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, in November we said we would not stand by and let health care be privatized by stealth. In March I went to Calgary and spoke, criticizing the policy behind bill 11 and saying why it will not solve the problems in our health care system. Last month I wrote to the Alberta government suggesting specific amendments to the bill so that we could avoid some of the dangers it presents.
One thing is clear. No matter what happens in that legislature next week, this government will protect the principles of the Canada Health Act by monitoring and by enforcing.
Health May 5th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the facts do not support the member's assertion.
The leader of that party supported the Alberta government in bill 11. That is the approach they take toward public medicare. In the last election campaign the Tory party proposed replacing the CHST by transferring tax points to the provinces and territories. That would end the role of the Government of Canada in ensuring compliance with the principles of the Canada Health Act.
That party's position, and the position of the Reformers, was rejected by the Canadian people with very good reason.
Health May 5th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, over the course of the last four budgets the government has increased by fully 25% the amount of cash transferred to the provinces for health.
Let me raise a point which is particularly important for this question from this party. In the least election campaign the Progressive Conservative Party, along with the Reform as it was then known, suggested we transfer all of the money to the provinces solely by tax points, with no cash, thus depriving the Government of Canada of any influence or moral authority to enforce the Canada Health Act.
We reject the Tory approach and the Reform approach to financing. We will continue to do it the right way.
Proceeds Of Crime (Money Laundering) Act May 4th, 2000
moved that the bill be concurred in.
Health May 3rd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the member and his party are obviously afraid of discussing new ideas. That is a pity. We will continue to talk about new ideas over here to improve access to health care for Canadians.
I guess there are some ideas over there. One of his colleagues in that party is running for the leadership of the Alliance and he says that we should go to the American style of two-tiered medicine. That is one idea we will never buy over here.
Health May 3rd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I suppose we can explain the NDP leader's interest with the five principles of the Canada Health Act because that is five more principles than the NDP has on this issue.
As to bill 11, let me say to the House that we have made it clear from the beginning that we intend to respect the principles of the Canada Health Act. If bill 11 does not comply with the principles of the Canada Health Act, we will do what is required to exercise the federal response in such a situation.