Leona Aglukkaq

[Health, October 25th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, on another matter, this summer a study showed that higher costs of living have negative impacts on the health of Canadians and that is why our government has focused on jobs and prosperity.

When our government went to Washington this summer to raise the issue of indigenous and aboriginal people fully participating in the international AIDS conference after some 30 years, that member joined a march on the White House demanding higher taxes. Higher taxes in the United States and higher taxes in Canada, we all know are not good for the health of Canadians.

[Health, October 25th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the issue of drug shortages is a complex global problem. The recent shortage that was widely reported resulted from decisions by provinces and territories to sole-source drug contracts. Our role is to enforce the safety of drugs before they enter the market. Going forward, we encourage provinces to look at purchasing drugs in such a way that the decisions of one drug marketer will not seriously disrupt the entire health care system.

[Health, October 25th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we told the provincial and territorial health ministers that we would be reviewing this matter and be making a decision shortly on the request from the provincial and territorial health ministers.

[Health, October 24th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, Health Canada has been very clear that caffeinated energy drinks are not recommended for children.

Last year the department announced a new approach to regulating energy drinks that would include limits on the level of caffeine in those products. It also included improved labelling to support consumers and parents in making informed choices. The new measures propose to help Canadians make informed decisions about the amount of caffeine they consume.

[Workplace Safety, October 19th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission's role will continue to be performed by Health Canada and this change will prevent duplication of back office duties and allow the department to focus on its role of protecting the safety of Canadians and serving businesses.

[Health, October 18th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I said last week, the process starts when a physician applies under the special access program. Within 24 hours, Health Canada responds to the applications. The special access program is available to individuals who require drugs. Under the normal system, it would probably take about 12 months. The special program is there to access drugs and within a month that application was approved.

Again, I would be happy to provide a briefing to all members of the House on the special access program if the members require more information.

[Health, October 18th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our condolences go out to the family and friends of the person we have lost.

As I stated earlier this week, the special access program is available to physicians who would like to access special drugs to treat patients who require them through the application process. I would be happy to provide the members of the House a briefing on the special access program and how the process works if the members require more information on it.

[Business of Supply, October 18th, 2012]

You did not support it.

[Public Health Agency, October 16th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, on a daily basis, the Public Health Agency has been dealing with the public as well as the provinces and the territories in providing support on this matter.

[Public Health Agency, October 16th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Public Health Agency has been working with the provinces and territories from the very beginning of this process and it continues to do so.