House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Health March 28th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, last week, we heard about inappropriate practices in a private clinic in Montreal. Minister Marois and I both announced that we were taking steps to investigate the matter and to determine whether unacceptable or illegal practices exist, and I intend to do just that.
Health March 28th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, some of the matters referred to by the member, if she is referring to the same cases I have in my mind, are already being investigated by provincial and federal officials.
I can assure the member that if practices are in place which contravene the act, then steps will be taken to make sure they do not continue. If the member has information about events that we do not have in mind or that we have not investigated, I urge her to provide me with those details and I will see to it that the appropriate inquiries are made.
Health Care March 28th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the government has already demonstrated its commitment to the Canada Health Act. We know that private, for profit delivery of services is not the way to go. It does not help with waiting lists. It does not help control costs. It does not provide equal access. We do now and we will always stand for the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Division No. 1249 March 27th, 2000
moved that the bill be concurred in.
Hepatitis C March 27th, 2000
Yes, Mr. Speaker, it was two years ago that the government persuaded the provincial governments for the first time to take part with us in the compensation scheme for hepatitis C victims in the blood tragedy.
Every NDP government in the country supported us in that and continue to support us. Every government went before the courts and had the agreement approved. The court has now approved the administrator and I understand cheques will be sent shortly.
If this government had not acted the case would be before the courts for many years to come.
Genetically Modified Foods March 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we provided a full response.
Health March 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we need two things for our nationwide health care system.
The first one is innovation, to implement innovative practices to improve the quality and accessibility of health care services.
The second is an appropriate level of funding, and the Government of Canada will do its share.
Health March 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we have in Canada a countrywide health care system funded in large measure by the Government of Canada. A third of the public money spent on health care is spent by the Government of Canada.
As the Prime Minister said last evening, we intend to increase the level of funding with a long term plan to solve the problems of our health care system.
Health March 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, at the outset we should note that the absent leader of the member's party came out this week in favour of Premier Klein's approach to private for profit hospitals.
What is needed at this time to fix medicare is a combination of innovation and long term financial commitment. That is exactly what we have offered. In fact at my suggestion, ministers of health are meeting next week. We will go to that table with a determination to deal with the number one priority of all Canadians which is to fix medicare.
Health March 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister himself said last night and as we have been saying in the House for some days, it is only a proposed bill before the Alberta legislature. The premier himself is talking about potential amendments. We have not yet seen the regulations. We will wait for the final product. We will assess it in relation to the Canada Health Act. As the Prime Minister stressed last night, we will be there to protect those principles because that is what Canadians want.