Leona Aglukkaq

[Health, June 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, again, we continue to work with the provinces and public health agencies, Indian and northern affairs and aboriginal communities to ensure a coordinated response to this.

Health Canada has provided additional nurses to the community and physicians are on-site. PHAC epidemiologists arrived in the community last week. Supply is not an issue in the communities. I come from a small community of aboriginal people. I know what the limitations are. At the same time we are continuing to work with the communities as we respond to this issue.

[Health, June 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is well-positioned to respond through pandemic preparedness. We prepared the plan back in 2006 and invested $1 billion. This plan includes delivery of services to first nations communities. We continue to work with the first nations communities, including the provincial health ministries. Supply is not a problem in any of the nursing stations in Manitoba's first nations communities.

[Medical Isotopes, June 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the contingency measures that were established by the medical isotope experts are being implemented to manage the shortage that we are dealing with in Canada. Contingency measures are ensuring that the supplies of isotopes are targeted at patients most at risk, such as children.

Many tests can be completed using other options, such as thallium and sodium fluoride. While they are not long-term solutions, they provide doctors with more options to ensure patients who require testing receive it and to ensure those who are unable to use the alternatives, such as children, can receive TC99 isotopes.

[Health, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, again, we have a plan and we are implementing that plan in partnership with the provincial health ministry. This morning I had a conversation with Minister Oswald. We are working together in addressing the community issues.

What the member should be explaining to her constituents and the first nations community is why she voted against $400 million that increased the capacity for health care delivered in our budget.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Lantheus has publicly announced that it is able to meet the thallium demands for all Canadians. I understand it has been in contact with other suppliers, as well as hospitals, as to how it could provide assistance. I encourage both private suppliers, as well as hospitals, to work together to ensure a steady supply of thallium.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the medical experts have provided alternative options that are available for physicians. Of the alternatives that are available now, over 50% of the Tc99 isotopes are for heart scans, and thallium can be used as an alternative in many of these cases. The next largest use of Tc99 isotopes is for bone scanning. Again, there is an alternative, sodium fluoride, which is available now. We have approved clinical trials and special access program requests. This provides Canadians with greater access to alternatives.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is so very important when we are dealing with a serious issue like this, to ensure that accurate information is being provided to the provinces and territories. It is a concern that many people share and it is important that the member communicate that there are alternatives that are available now.

With regard to Tc99, my colleague has mentioned there will be 50% of the supply in this country this week. Therefore, it is important that the individual communicate that there is some supply. There is a shortage, but there are also alternatives.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are working very closely with the medical isotopes experts on this issue. We are looking at identifying alternatives which have already been identified and are on the market, and are available for use by the provinces and territories. When we are dealing with a small supply of medical isotopes, it is very important to manage one's cases with one's patients and examine what options are available as alternatives.

That is the information we have provided to the provinces and territories, and to care providers in the provinces.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are working closely with the provinces and territories, and the medical community who are implementing the contingency measures to manage the situation.

Our focus at this point is to increase timely access to the available supply of medical isotopes and alternatives. I am in regular conversations with my provincial and territorial counterparts on this issue.

Our government will continue to work in partnership with the provinces and the medical community to do what is best for Canadians.

[Medical Isotopes, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious issue. The shortage of medical isotopes is understandably of concern to many Canadians.

Contingency measures ensure that the supply of isotopes is targeted at patients most at risk, such as children. Supplies will vary throughout time depending on what global reactors are available to supply isotopes. There is no doubt that patients will be impacted.

Our government is exhausting every available means to mitigate and, above all, resolve the situation. We continue to identify alternatives to the provinces and territories.