Allan Rock

[Health, April 7th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the member is right about the need for the Government of Canada to work to support what the provinces are doing in terms of broadening access to home and community care. Indeed, when I invited my colleagues to work with me this spring, and we started last week in Markham, it was to discuss that very subject among others.

Last weekend unfortunately we ran into ministers who wanted to talk only about the money. Their first ministers would not let them go beyond that, but there are hopeful and encouraging signs. The Government of British Columbia has now said it wants to sit and speak with us about substantive matters, including broadening home and community care. I look forward in the weeks and months ahead to working with that and other governments so that in the last analysis we will have better services for Canadians.

[Health, April 7th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I share the concern that the hon. member expresses. However, I do not believe it is necessary to change the Canada Health Act because the principle of accessibility is there to be respected.

The concern is that on the ground in a given clinic uninsured services might be sold at the same time as insured services are provided in such a way that the principle of accessibility is threatened. If the hon. member knows of any instance of that, I would want to know because it could be troublesome in terms of the Canada Health Act.

[Health, April 7th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, there are private clinics for profit around the country. In some cases they are regulated by provincial legislation, such as in Saskatchewan where such clinics are prohibited from charging fees to patients for any service, or in Ontario where basically the same arrangement is provided for in the statute.

Let me stress that if there are private-for-profit clinics charging for insured services to patients, that would be against the Canada Health Act and we would take action. If the hon. member is aware of any such practices, I wish he would let me know and we will respond.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I share the member's frustration. I am told the court has now approved the agreement to which we contributed $800 million. I am told the court has now approved the administrator. I am told the administrator is working to get the cheques out to the people who are in the class.

I also want to point out to the member that for those who are not included in the settlement the government put $300 million in the hands of the provinces, if they will accept it, to pay for exactly this kind of expense, in other words drugs or other health expenses that are not already covered by public insurance.

If the member would share the details of the case with me, I will make sure that whatever can be done within what is in place is done for this person.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that we will do everything required to protect the integrity of the Canada Health Act.

Let me correct something the member said. He refers to 12 principles being signed onto. Let me make it clear that there is no agreement between the Government of Canada and any provincial government with respect to principles beyond the Canada Health Act and nothing in any principles promulgated by any provincial government will ever stand in the way of our enforcing the Canada Health Act.

Finally, in relation to bill 11, as I have assured the member and the House often, we shall act at the appropriate time in what we regard as in the best interest of the Canada Health Act.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, in relation to the comments made by the member for Sudbury, I take it from the reports that there is some suggestion there is an old boys' network, that we do each other favours out of friendship. I want to make it clear to the House and to the hon. member that I have no intention of pulling my punches under the Canada Health Act simply because of my warm and cozy relationship with Mike Harris and Ralph Klein.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, obviously we intend to respect the provinces' fields of jurisdiction. For the rest, we will discuss the matter with our counterparts, and we will see.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I totally agree with the hon. member. We must consult, we must work together, that is clear. I am prepared, starting tomorrow, to meet my counterparts to discuss the matter.

A few days ago, in Markham, I suggested that we spend time on such a discussion, but that was rejected. I hope I will have the opportunity in the coming weeks to speak with Mrs. Marois and the other ministers of health in Canada on this important matter.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

A few days ago in Markham, Ontario, I tried to raise a wide range of important matters relating to health, including pharmacare.

Unfortunately, the provinces—including Quebec's Mrs. Marois—refused. They only wanted to talk money.

[Health, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, as far as pharmacare, and the entire area of health is concerned, I must begin by emphasizing our intention to respect the jurisdiction of the provincial governments. The provision of health services is, naturally, a provincial responsibility.

At the same time, we have a constructive role to play, under the Canada Health Act, in supporting the provinces' efforts to develop innovative approaches.