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Health June 14th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her advice. It is important to us but we also require the advice of scientists. We are also reviewing best practices in other jurisdictions. When we have a strategy that we think will protect the health and safety of Canadians we will table it in the House.
Health June 14th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge what happened a couple of years ago in this place. I understand at the time the member for Winnipeg Centre forged a coalition in the House to put a resolution forward. Since that time there has been a multi-stakeholder task force that has been reviewing the issue and reviewing the science. When the review is complete and the science is before us, then we can make a decision.
Health June 14th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, it is clear, on reading section 90, that the minister does not have the power to demand an answer to a regulatory question or to demand an opinion regarding drug prices.
It is a quasi-judicial agency. It is an independent body. From this side of the House, it is impossible for me to raise this question with the board.
Health June 14th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I will give the same answer as yesterday. I would like to tell this House that the board is an independent body with quasi-judicial powers. In this House, I cannot get involved.
Health June 13th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board can determine if the price is excessive. In such case, it is possible that it has the requisite authority to have the price lowered. It is a quasi-judicial board, independent from the government. I support this system.
Health June 13th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say to this House that the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is an independent agency with quasi-judicial authority. It is impossible to intervene in this situation because it is up to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to make that decision.
Health June 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I do not agree with the hon. member.
It is important to protect women and there is a process for accessing these implants. It is important to protect patients, and there is another process for access to drugs. Nonetheless, if there is a need, I will support it.
Health June 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, these are two different programs.
There is an access program for breast implants. Obviously It is important to protect women's health. There is another program for drugs. As I was saying in committee, it is important to have a process, just as it is important to have access to these drugs.
Aboriginal Affairs June 8th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her support. There is a lot of mess to clean up after the previous Liberal governments but I intend to move with dispatch.
The hon. member has made an interesting suggestion, which I think she made in good conscience and good faith, and we will be examining all our options.
However, the one critical message I want to send to the people of Canada is that we will get to the bottom of this and we will restore faith in government on this side of the House.
Aboriginal Affairs June 8th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, Health Canada is very concerned about any misuse of public funds and we will use every available option at our disposal on behalf of the people of Canada to recover any public funds that are owed to the people of Canada by the Government of Canada.
New information has been brought to light as a result of the RCMP investigation and the resolution of criminal charges and we will move forward with dispatch.