House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Health December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that Canada has become one of the first 40 countries to ratify the framework convention on tobacco control. This is a symbol of our strong commitment to ensure that tobacco is controlled and that its effects do not damage Canadians or people across the world.
The framework convention is the first global public health treaty.
Hiv-Aids December 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, over the next five years funding for HIV-AIDS in Canada will increase to $84.4 million. It is being increased by $5 million this year to get to that figure.
This is an issue that cuts across all sectors of Canadian life: gays and lesbians, women and children, the aboriginal people. We are seeing an increasing number of newly infected people among the aboriginal population, including in fact the prison population.
It is important that we recognize this as a serious issue globally. I want to make sure the Government of Canada as collectively as possible continues to work across departments to make sure--
Health November 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am pleasantly surprised that side of the House supports the intention and the purposes of the Canada Health Act. This is news to me.
Health November 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we will vigorously enforce the Canada Health Act whenever there is need. What the provinces do within their own jurisdictions is up to them. That is an issue I would be happy to take up with the province.
Food and Drugs Act November 29th, 2004
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-28, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Health November 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, when I was in the United States of America at Harvard Medical School, all I said was that this was a domestic issue for the U.S. that would have serious impacts on our lives as Canadians and that we could not be the drug stores of the United States of America. I made that clear then and I will make it clear again for the hon. member. We will do whatever it takes to protect the adequacy and safety of the supply of drugs for Canadians.
Health November 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we all know that health research goes a long way to ensuring good health care for Canadians. Over the last many years since 1997, we have invested over $13 billion in research in Canada. Since 1999 when the Canadian Institutes of Health Research were established, we are now on the cutting edge of research internationally.
Health November 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the recommendations that the Auditor General makes are very important. I met with the Auditor General. I have discussed the recommendations. We accept all of them fully. In fact, I have asked my department, as it implements those recommendations, to consult with her on a regular basis so that our implementation of the recommendations meets with her approval.
Supply November 23rd, 2004
Mr. Chair, I want to say I appreciate the member's concern about autism. He shared some of the statistics that he had with me on the plane ride here to Ottawa early this week.
On the issue that the member raises, I am not aware of the details and the constitutionality or not of the provisions that he speaks of. I will be happy to take a look at them and speak to him in the fullest possible way I can.
Supply November 23rd, 2004
Mr. Chair, this is obviously again a very difficult issue. In health care we deal with difficult issues from time to time. I was in fact part of the government in British Columbia when the case that recently came before the Supreme Court was decided. The case originated in British Columbia. I believe I was the attorney general. I had to deal with that difficult issue then.
I have said that I am happy, prepared and willing to meet with the parliamentarians who are trying to argue for a national strategy on this issue, with Senator Munson and others from all political parties. I will be meeting with them. I will be listening to them. I am happy to actually listen to the provinces from across the country.
I spoke to a constituent of mine several weeks ago during one of my constituency days. He has a 12 year old or 13 year old autistic child. The man was in tears. There was not much I could do as a federal politician. These are provincial jurisdictions and the provinces and territories make difficult decisions and difficult choices.
But I am prepared to take a leadership role at least in terms of coordinating our response across the country and discussing what we collectively as leaders in different levels of government can do.