Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, we talk about research and the needs of the patients but we are here not only to push the envelope on what needs to happen for people with MS, but, more important, for people with CCSVI. Whether they have MS or not, they should have access to diagnosis and treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, that is a very important question. I am aware of two instances where there was a problem. One was that a stent was inserted and the stent was dislodged. It had nothing to do with the procedure that Dr. Sandy McDonald or Dr. Zamboni refers to. They do not use stents.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, I do not think we need to dismiss the information. We need to consider the benefits to the patients and to allow them to make the proper choice, the choice they want to make with regard to treatment. A few minutes ago a colleague wanted to know how many people are actually requesting this.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, I can tell the member that we are in the process of touching base on everything we can with regard to this issue. As the member knows, we have heard on numerous occasions from witnesses how important and positive an impact this has had on patients. Again, let me go back to Steve Garvie.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, the member is absolutely correct. Why should people go bankrupt to obtain a treatment that they could normally have here? What is unconscionable is that the treatment was available here and people were actually starting to get the treatment as soon as a diagnosis was received but all of a sudden people could not get it in Canada any more.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, for the past few weeks, the Subcommittee on Neurological Disease within the health committee has been hearing testimony from doctors and patients regarding the treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, also known as CCSVI, as a method for treating multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, that was very interesting. My Conservative colleague mentioned that he was a chiropractor and that the services he offered to his patients with multiple sclerosis could help some of them in the meantime. That is how we see this treatment for multiple sclerosis. Could my colleague tell us what he heard in committee from the people who have had the treatment?

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, I greatly appreciate the comments from my colleague. She was at committee when we heard from Steve Garvey, and I am sure she will remember how touching and emotional that testimony was. Mr. Garvey was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 10 years ago and really wanted control of his body back.

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, the minister herself has mentioned that what is occurring is very promising, but I want to ask whether it is not correct to treat MS and the CCSVI in different functions. Where it indicates there are restrictions in a vein, why should people not have the treatment, as opposed to linking this?

Multiple Sclerosis  Madam Chair, I sit on the subcommittee, and over and over again witnesses have indicated there is a need to ensure that treatment continues during the research. They are asking that they be done in conjunction with each other. I wonder what the minister's response is with respect to why would we not put a process in place to ensure that everyone who may have CCSVI, first has the opportunity to be diagnosed.

Employment Insurance Act  moved that the bill be concurred in.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the government's handling of the HST has shown a continuing disrespect toward Canada's first nations. The Chiefs Council of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has put its support behind a legal challenge to the implementation of the HST. The Conservatives only agreed to talk to Ontario first nations about the loss of point of sale exemptions after they threatened a summer of blockades and protests.

Jobs and Economic Growth Act  Mr. Speaker, I do not want to take a lot of time. As everyone knows, we do not support this budget. It is not because there are not some good things in it, there are, but it is more because of the hidden agenda the Conservatives put in on items they were unable to put through in other bills.

Jobs and Economic Growth Act  Madam Speaker, I want to bring the member's attention to a situation that is occurring in my riding with respect to the environment. Brascan, a Brazilian company, is draining the Mississagi River, affecting the water levels and destroying access to Rocky Island Lake, and it is in the process of doing the same to Tunnel Lake.

Jobs and Economic Growth Act  Mr. Speaker, the member for Elmwood—Transcona is an advocate for air travel passengers and the bills that he has put forward need to be passed in order to protect travellers here in Canada. What the government is doing really speaks volumes to whether people will want to travel either in or out of the country.