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Background information—Standing Committee on Health: Emergency Situation Facing Canadians in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 21, 2021)

HESA Committee overview

John Barlow

Political Affiliation: Conservative

Constituency: Foothills, Alberta

Elected: 2014, 2015 and 2019.

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee Experience: Newly appointed HESA Committee member (October 2020). Agriculture and Agri-Food (2017-2018, 2020). Human Resources, Skills and Social Development (2018-19). Natural Resources (2016-17). Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (2014-15)

Biography: Prior to being elected, Mr. Barlow was a journalist. He is a member of several industry organizations, including the Journalism Advisory Boards at SAIT and Mount Royal University. He is also past chair of the Foothills Highland Games, High Country Sports Facility Fundraising Society and vice-president of the Okotoks Rotary Pub Club and remains a member of the Okotoks Rotary Club and the Okotoks Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Mr. Barlow is an active speaker and volunteer in his community of Foothills.

Member's Interests

To date, Mr. Barlow has mainly been interested in agriculture, international trade, and energy sector issues.

Coronavirus - COVID-19:
  • During Opposition Motion Debate on October 22, 2020, pressed the government on vaccine and rapid testing strategy: "However, we still have not heard a strategy on dealing with accessing vaccines, rapid testing and how they are going to be distributed."
  • During Opposition Motion Debate on October 22, 2020, questioned the government on the production of rapid tests: "Germany, Japan, Austria and Iceland are all using rapid testing technology and reducing quarantine times to keep their businesses open, to keep schools open, to keep families united … In Canada, we are falling well behind other jurisdictions around the world. We are using a 14-day quarantine that most of our partners are not using. In fact, more than 80 countries around the world are using this new technology, but Canada is not among them.
  • At a HESA meeting on December 4, 2021, he expressed his concern with the mental health ramifications Canadian's are facing and the additional impact the delays in receiving vaccinations are having: "40% of Canadians have said that their mental health has declined and one in ten Canadians is having suicidal thoughts—the implication of these delays is profound."
  • On January 22, 2021, at the Okotoks Chamber Q&A, he stated that he's frustrated with the status of the vaccine rollout, and attributed delays to Canada's failed collaboration with China to produce a vaccine with CanSino Biologics: "Of course August hits, no vaccine, the agreement implodes, China's basically said "No, we're nowhere near, we're not going to have it." So then we had to start to scramble. We had to go to Pfizer, we had to go to AstraZeneca, we had to go to these other companies. That put us way down the line. People who had agreements signed months before us, of course, are getting those vaccines before us." https://www.okotoksonline.com/local/barlow-talks-pipelines-vaccines-and-restrictions-at-okotoks-chamber-q-a
  • During a virtual town hall, on January 6, 2021, stated that the delay has put Canada significantly behind other G7 countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where it's anticipated the entire populations will be vaccinated by the end of spring. He then added it's expected the general Canadian public won't receive vaccinations until the fall or even into the start of 2022. https://www.yorktonthisweek.com/agriculture/mp-barlow-discusses-covid-19-2021-federal-budget-farm-protection-during-virtual-town-hall-1.24267265
  • During the same virtual hall, on January 6, 2021, he also disagreed with who the government was identifying as a priority for receiving the vaccine, most notably inmates in federal penitentiaries. Vaccines will be administered to inmates identified as high-risk, but the fact there have been just over 1,100 cases and only three deaths in prisons across the country indicates to him the government's plan is flawed. https://www.yorktonthisweek.com/agriculture/mp-barlow-discusses-covid-19-2021-federal-budget-farm-protection-during-virtual-town-hall-1.24267265
Health Transfers:
  • During Opposition Motion Debate on October 22, 2020, expressed the need to study health transfers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term care: "I have one of the oldest demographics in the country, so the health of our seniors is critically important to me and the constituents in Foothills. Of course, one of the things that we want to look at is to ensure that there are proper resources for the provinces to do the jobs that, jurisdictionally, they have been asked to do."
Mental Health:
  • Has stated in the media that "The mental health and anxiety of people in rural communities is I think reaching a crisis point, but I think it's great that the provincial government has stepped up and did some policy changes to address both of those and we are going to try to do the same at the federal level and I'm putting forward a private member's bill to address trespassing on rural properties and I'll be bringing that forward in the next couple of months." News Article – The High River Times (2020-01-23) https://www.highrivertimes.com/news/local-news/john-barlow-looks-whats-ahead-in-2020
  • On February 18, 2020, Barlow introduced Bill C-205 (An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act), a Bill that would make it an offense to unlawfully enter a place in which animals are kept, and stated that: "I think my colleagues in this room would also understand and agree with me that mental health and anxiety within agriculture is at a crisis."
Bio-security and Bio-hazards:
  • On February 18, 2020, Barlow introduced Bill C-205 (An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act). The Bill would amend the Health of Animals Act to make it an offense to unlawfully enter a place in which animals are kept. He has commented in the media on the importance of bringing forward this legislation regarding bio-security: "It's very important for farmers, you do not want to be transferring diseases from farm to another and a lot of these protesters and trespassers do not understand the security issues that are involved in bio-security, so this private members bill will change the Health Canada Act, as well as portions of the Canadian Criminal Code to increase the fines and make it illegal for you to trespass." As of October 7, 2020, Bill C-205 is 19th on the Order of Precedence and is expected to begin first hour of debate at Second Reading at the end of November 2020. News Article – The High River Times (2020-01-23) https://www.highrivertimes.com/news/local-news/john-barlow-looks-whats-ahead-in-2020.

Don Davies

Political Affiliation: New Democratic Party (NDP)

Constituency: Vancouver Kingsway

Elected: 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2019

Current Role: Health Critic

Committee experience: HESA committee member since 2015

Biography: Obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Law Degree (LL.B.) at the University of Alberta. In 1992 he became the Director of Legal Services for Teamsters Canada (Local 31), a position he held until his election to the House of Commons in 2008. Davies has been representing the riding of Vancouver Kingsway since his election in the 2008 federal election. He was named as the NDP Health critic for the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus - COVID-19:
  • On October 22, 2020, during Second Reading Debate on the Motion for the Production of Papers to the Standing Committee on Health, stated: "We want documents on the global public health intelligence network, testing, personal protective equipment, and vaccine development and distribution."
  • During Question Period on October 6, 2020, questioned the Government on the future accessibility of a vaccine for COVID-19: "Yesterday, the NDP government in British Columbia announced that any COVID-19 vaccine will be provided at no cost to British Columbians. Will the Government of Canada ensure that all Canadians receive free vaccinations against COVID-19 once they are developed?"
  • During Question Period on February 27, 2020, asked the Minister of Health to increase protections for frontline health care workers to prevent further transmission.
  • During DND and PHAC's February 5, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • Do additional cases in B.C. change Canada's plan?
    • Does asymptomatic transmission change the plan?
    • Are infected individuals with mild symptoms going undetected?
    • Should Canada follow the US and deny entry to non-citizens who travelled to China? Should citizens who travelled to China be under 14-day quarantine?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked:
    • Why is Canada one of the last countries to evacuate its citizens? Are strained relations with China a factor?
    • Does the CBSA have enough safeguards? Does it use thermal scanning?
    • What types of supports exists for Canadians who cannot leave China?
  • Asked the Minister of Health to reveal the "full plans" and how the repatriation of Canadians from China will be carried out (Question Period, January 30, 2020).
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • How severe is the virus for those infected? How long is the incubation period?
    • Which tests could be used for people that are asymptomatic?
    • What are treatment options?
    • Have other countries quarantined individuals for 14 days?
  • Issued a press release on January 22, 2020, stating that "international cases of the virus are troubling to Canadians" and that the "federal government must make sure Canadians have timely and complete information. They also need to provide sufficient resources at Canadian ports of entry for screening, particularly at airports".
  • He went on to state that "Canadians expect their government to work in close collaboration" with PT and international partners.
  • On January 22, tweeted that he spoke with the Minister of Health and that he was "pleased to see a timely and thorough response from the government and appreciate the collaborative and coordinated approach. I hope this virus can be swiftly contained and effectively treated".
  • On January 26, tweeted that "the NDP will cooperate in every way to help keep Canadians safe".
  • During a HESA Committee meeting on June 23, 2020, questioned how to strengthen the World Health Organization in the context of the current pandemic: "Given the lessons learned from COVID-19, what reforms do you believe are necessary to strengthen the WHO?"

During the opposition day on December 3, 2020, asked for the vaccine contract details, and rollout strategy.

Access to Clean Water
  • During the study of Bill C-326 (An Act to Amend the Department of Health Act, drinking water guidelines), Davies pressed witnesses on "how much money would it take to make sure that all First Nations communities in this country have access to clean drinking water, and how much are we falling short of that now?" (HESA, March 26, 2018).
Autism
  • Supported opposition motion regarding additional funding for autism: "Will the member stand in the House and vote in favour of this motion to actually provide $19 million for autism in this country, yes or no?" (House of Commons – May 18, 2017).
Blood & Organ Donation
  • Supported Bill C-316 (An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ donors)) in the House of Commons: "I wish to conclude my remarks today by strongly encouraging all Canadians to register as organ donors and to discuss their wishes with their loved ones" (September 25, 2018).
  • Presented petition 421-00823 calling on the Government to "adopt a science-based screening process for blood donors that does not discriminate on the basis of gender or sexual preference, and have Canada immediately defer this policy and change it so all people can donate blood, regardless of their sexual orientation" (House of Commons – October 26, 2016).
  • Called on the Minister of Health to "stand up for safety in Canada's blood supply system" and close a private for-profit plasma clinic that had opened in Saskatchewan (House of Commons – February 18, 2016).
Breast Cancer
  • Called on the Government to halt new breast cancer screening guidelines that advised against self-exams and "advise physicians not to follow them and launch a review under the direction of subject matter experts" (House of Commons – April 12, 2019).
Canada Food Guide
  • During a HESA committee meeting suggested that the Canada Food Guide's revisions would be sabotaged if industry marketing to children remained unaddressed. (December 12, 2017)
Cannabis:
  • Gave notice of a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study access to cannabis for medical purposes in Canada. (Tweeted February 19, 2020)
  • Called on the Government several times to grant amnesty to Canadians carrying unjust records for simple cannabis possession. (Question Period: June 14, 2018, May 30, 2019).
  • Has called for medicinal cannabis to be treated similarly to prescription opioids: "Ironically, opioids are covered by most plans and are zero tax-rated exempt. Ironically, patients are incentivized to pursue a riskier option […] It's clearly a flawed policy to make medicinal cannabis more expensive than opioids" (December 7, 2017).
  • Sponsored e-petition e-1528 to remove taxes from medically prescribed cannabis: "The petitioners call on the government to remove all taxes, the excise tax and the sales tax, on medical cannabis, as it does for all medicine in this country" (April 11, 2019).
Decriminalization
  • Has pressed the topic of decriminalization of drugs on several occasions both during Committee meetings and in the House of Commons (December 10, 2018, June 20, 2018): "It is even more important that we ensure that Canadians, if they are going to be using drugs, which nobody supports and nobody is encouraging, at least have access to drugs in known quantity and known substance so at least they are not dying. That is what New Democrats are calling for."
Dementia
  • Spoke in support of Bill C-233 (An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias), in the House of Commons (April 5, 2016) to support the development of a "world-class dementia strategy".
Dental & Eye Care:
  • Introduced a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, for the Committee to study the "development of a national dental care program as an insured service for Canadians". Noted that 32% of Canadians don't have dental insurance at all and that studies have shown that poor oral health is linked to serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, respiratory infections, diabetic complications, renal disease complications, premature birth and low birth weight. HESA is expected to commence this study in March 2020.
  • Presented petition 421-04054, calling on "the government to commit to acknowledging eye health and vision care as a growing public health issue and respond to it, particularly with respect to Canada's vulnerable populations, through the development of a national framework to promote eye health and vision care" (House of Commons - May 30, 2019)
  • Was opposed to Conservative opposition motion "That, given the average middle class Canadian is already overburdened with taxes, the House call on the government to abandon any plans it may have to in any way tax health and dental care plans" (House of Commons - February 2, 2017). "We will make sure that Canadians know that the Liberals are considering taxing their health care benefits, and we will stand in this House and fight tooth and nail against this ill-conceived policy that will not only hurt Canadians' health care but will take money out of the pockets of hard-working Canadians at a time when they can least afford it."
Food Products & Labelling:
  • Introduced Bill C-257, (An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (sugar content labelling)) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
  • Introduced Bill C-446 (An Act to develop a national school food program for children) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
Forced Sterilization:
  • During a HESA Committee meeting (January 31, 2019), he stated that there is no question that forced sterilization is a form of torture. He believes that it is systemic racism, sexism, and colonialism. He believes that the federal government's response has been weak and not many details are known.
  • During a HESA Committee meeting (June 18, 2019), Davies pressed an RCMP officer witness on whether "forced sterilizations could have taken place in areas of jurisdiction under which the RCMP had control?", and highlighted the fact that he (Davies) wrote to the officer "back in February and pointed out that a class action lawsuit had been filed, at that time naming some 60 women as complainants and naming the federal government, regional health authorities and individual physicians over incidents of forced or coerced sterilization."
Health Research
  • Supported motion M-105 in the House of Commons (May 18, 2017) calling for $19 million in funding to "provide an authoritative access point for reliable data to inform policy development, funding decisions, and service delivery."
Health Transfers:
  • During House of Commons Debate on October 22, advocated for an increase in health transfers: "We too would like to see the federal government increase its health transfers to the provinces to at least keep up with the rate of increase, which is about 5.2% per year."
  • During a HESA Committee meeting, he questioned if B.C.'s First Nations Health Authority is effective in supporting Indigenous health: "Has this transfer or type of transfer of authority helped to support improved health and well-being for indigenous people and communities in that province? Is that a model you would suggest to us that might help in the transferring of authorities to First Nations communities?" (October 25, 2016).
  • Has strongly advocated against health care cuts on multiple occasions in the House of Commons: "The Liberal campaign platform also promised that Liberals would discuss any cuts with the provinces, but instead, they are going to impose these cuts without any negotiating with the provinces, just like Mr. Harper" (September 26, 2016).
HIV/AIDS
  • Has strongly advocated against funding cuts to HIV/AIDS initiatives: "Today, New Democrats call on the government to immediately reverse these funding cuts and expand the federal initiative on HIV/AIDS" (House of Commons – December 1, 2016).
Indigenous Health
  • Gave notice of a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study Indigenous health. (Tweeted February 19, 2020)
Long-term Care
  • During Question Period on October 29, 2020, he stated, "Shamefully, seniors living in for-profit homes are four times more likely to become infected and die from COVID-19 than those in non-profit homes … Will the government commit to getting profits out of long-term care to ensure seniors are safe in these centres?
  • During Question Period on October 6, 2020, he stated, "The long-term care crisis is a national problem and the federal government must play a leadership role to resolve it immediately."
  • During Question Period on October 1, 2020, he stated, "Canadians were horrified to see the appalling conditions our seniors are experiencing in long-term care centres across this country", and asked, "What is the government doing specifically to ensure seniors will be better protected in the critical months ahead?"
  • During debate in reply to the SFT on November 24, 2020 in the House of Commons, stated that: "Eighty per cent of the deaths in this country that were due to COVID occurred in long-term care centres, yet the throne speech released yesterday by her party made no commitment to binding national standards in long-term care, announced no federal funds that would be tied to enforcement and made no mention of home care, which is the preferred option for most seniors."
Lyme Disease
  • During a HESA Committee meeting (June 6, 2017), questioned if the Government is providing enough funding for Lyme disease, and spoke about the lack of leadership, patient input and divergent opinions in regards to this illness.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID):
  • Questioned linking palliative care to physician-assisted death in order for the government to develop a comprehensive end-of-life care strategy: "I think the whole doctor-assisted, physician-assisted death debate offered an opportunity for us in Parliament and all Canadians to consider some of the very profoundly difficult questions that surround end-of-life care" (March 7, 2017).
Medical Devices
  • Introduced Bill C-271 (An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (batteries for medical or assistive devices) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
Mixed Alcoholic Beverages:
  • Interventions made at HESA questioning industry stakeholders positions on mixed alcoholic beverages however no clear stance/opinion has been documented (September 5, 2018).
MSM
  • During Question Period, asked the Government why it was discriminating against gay men who wish to donate blood. "How can the Liberals offer a sincere and meaningful apology to the LGBTQ community for past injustices when they are practising discrimination in the present?" (November 9, 2017)
  • During a HESA Committee meeting (December 8, 2016), expressed concern over the different deferral policies between blood and plasma donations. Specifically, questioned why industry is permitted to remunerate individuals who make plasma donations and postulated that monetary compensation could cause potential donors to lie.
Nutrition:
  • Gave notice of a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study the development of a national school nutrition program. (Tweeted February 19, 2020)
  • On February 4, 2020, Introduced Bill C-201 (An Act to develop a national school food program for children). This enactment provides for the development of a national school food program to ensure that all children in Canada have access to healthy food. (Note: Mr. Davies is 131st on the List for the Consideration of Private Members' Business.)
Opioids and Drugs:
  • During the July 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding COVID-19, he stated that, "there is not one pandemic in Canada; there are two. The number of Canadians dying from opioids in our country is staggering and growing". He asked, "What is the Liberal plan to address the overdose pandemic ravaging our country?" In the same meeting, he added further pressure by asking, "When is the government going to listen to the experts, respect the evidence and treat addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one?"
  • Gave notice of a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study the state of access to treatment services for substance use disorder in Canada. (Tweeted February 19, 2020)
  • Supported the filing of a civil lawsuit against drug companies to recoup the costs incurred by the province of B.C. in addressing the opioid crisis. Asked the Minister of Health if the Liberal government would join this class action against opioid manufacturers.
  • Has pressured the Minister to consider decriminalization and regulation to ensure a safe supply of opioids: "It's plainly obvious that ensuring a safe supply would save lives. No less a figure than the president of the Canadian Medical Association is calling on Canadian politicians to have an "open and courageous" debate on decriminalization, yet you and the Prime Minister have explicitly ruled out any consideration of decriminalization and regulation" (December 6, 2018).
  • During a HESA Committee meeting, emphasized concerns that there is a lack of proper treatment or detox facilities available to deal with substance abuse. He indicated that the Committee's Report on the Opioid Crisis made three recommendations asking the Government to fund detox centres. Davies questioned how the Government's new Drugs and Substances Strategy could be considered as being comprehensive when there is no funding for detox centres. (December 13, 2016)
  • Pressed the Minister of Health during Question Period (December 8, 2016) to declare a national public health emergency: "Can the Minister tell us, what is she waiting for? Must more Canadians die?"
  • Pressed the Government to declare a national public health emergency on fentanyl: "The Liberals claim that declaring a public health emergency is unnecessary, saying it would provide no additional levers for action. This is absolutely false". (Question Period - December 10, 2018)
Palliative Care
  • Introduced a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study palliative care, including an examination of comparator countries. The motion passed, however, there's no start date yet for the study.
  • Supported Bill C-277 (An Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care in Canada) in the House of Commons: "We look forward to contributing to the framework development process and sincerely hope that it will provide the strongest possible palliative care strategy for every Canadian from coast to coast to coast." (May 30, 2017)
Pharmacare
  • During debate in reply to the SFT on November 24, 2020 in the House of Commons, he pressured the Government for more action: "Will the government finally commit to public pharmacare, and tell Canadians when they can get this overdue essential medical service?"
  • During Question Period on November 30, 2020, he stated "To this day, neither the Prime Minister nor the health minister, nor any person on that side of the House, has ever identified the form of pharmacare they want to negotiate. The NDP has been calling for public pharmacare and the reason is that the Hoskins committee report, the health committee and every task force over the last 30 years have recommended that we must deliver pharmacare through our public system."
  • "Mr. Speaker, Canadians are experiencing the worst public health crisis in a century, one that will only end with an effective treatment or vaccine. Yet, without a public pharmacare system, they have no assurance that they will have universal access to these life-saving medications." (Question Period, October 6, 2020)
  • "Will the Liberals support our Canada Pharmacare Act (Bill C-213) and finally ensure every Canadian gets the medicine they need?" (Question Period, February 24, 2020)
  • "We have the Canada Health Act and we have Medicare in this country. If you think this is a tough issue, we got that in the 1960s. Is Pharmacare not just a natural measured extension of exactly the system that we have that has solved all of those problems? The federal government makes money available to the provinces, respecting provincial jurisdiction. The provinces have access to that money as long as they agree to respect the principles set out in the Canada Health Act" (September 27, 2016).
  • Presented petition 421-03319, calling on "the Liberal government to lower prescription drug costs for all Canadians and work with the provinces to implement a universal, comprehensive and public pharmacare system" (House of Commons - March 19, 2019).
  • Presented petition 421-03189, calling on "the government to immediately implement public, comprehensive, universal Pharmacare" (February 5, 2019).
  • Introduced Bill C-293 (An Act to amend the Department of Health Act (Advisory Committee) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.
  • Called on the Government to implement a National Pharmacare program: "Why are the Liberals doing big pharma's bidding and failing to lower the cost of medications for all Canadians?" (House of Commons - May 28, 2019)
Rare Diseases / Drug Access / SAP
  • Introduced e-Petition 2649 in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020: "The PMPRB has proposed regulations and guidelines to reduce drug prices and increase transparency in the pricing process. They are calling on the government to enact these overdue changes, reduce prices for Canadians and ensure that all Canadians can get the medications their doctors prescribe when they need them."
  • Questioned the effectiveness of the Special Access Program during a HESA Committee meeting, in this case particularly regarding the need for patients to reapply every 3 months for access to the drug "Cystagon". During this discussion, Davies pressed Health Canada representatives on why this practice was being applied to patients who were seeing positive results with the drug. (October 30, 2018)
  • During a HESA Committee meeting, Davies suggested that the rare disease issue was a perfect example of why a National Formulary was needed. He then argued that to minimize the influence of lobbyists working for industry, decisions on whether to include drugs on the Formulary should reside with an independent commission. (October 4, 2018)
Tobacco and Vaping
  • Gave notice of a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee study vaping products. (Tweeted February 19, 2020)
  • Called for an amendment to Bill S-5 (An Act to Amend the Tobacco Act) to "prohibit promotions for all flavours that could be appealing to young people" (February 28, 2018).
Violence Against Healthcare Workers
  • Introduced Bill C-434 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against a health care sector worker) (December 3, 2015). The Bill was not debated.

Chris d'Entremont

Political Affiliation: Conservative

Constituency: West Nova, Nova Scotia

Elected: 2019

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health (October 2020)

Committee Experience: Vice-Chair of the Official Languages Committee (February 2020 – August 2020), a member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Official Languages (February 2020 – August 2020)

Biography: Served as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Acadian Affairs, Health and Community Services and was the Parliamentary Leader of the Official Opposition when elected to the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly. As Nova Scotia Minister of Health, he introduced Nova Scotia's first Continuing Care Strategy, and launched the largest long-term care home building program in the province's history. He also introduced Canada's first family drug insurance program, helping Nova Scotians with catastrophic drug coverage.

Member's Interests

COVID-19 Vaccines:
PMPRB:
  • During Question Period on October 30, 2020, expressed concern over the new PMPRB regulations: "These changes have been expected for quite some time by patients and patient groups. These groups warn that, without serious revisions to the draft guidelines, new life-saving drugs like Trikafta will not be released here in Canada. Unfortunately, the proposed changes do not reflect the concerns communicated to the government."
Health Transfers:
  • Stated during debate on the 2019 Speech from the Throne that it required "more detail" in regards to access to primary care. Stated that "health care is a basic human right" and that the Government should "listen attentively to provincial premiers… especially with their request for an augmentation in their health transfers". (2019-12-11)
  • Stated during same debate that "The regions need money to find the expertise our health system needs. Finding prescription drugs and long-term care services is not enough. What the government needs to do is help provincial governments find a way to provide better service." (2019-12-11)
  • Speaking about the Canada Health Transfer during 2019 SFT debate, stated that "When I was a minister, I myself faced budget cuts. We always made sure that they were not based on population. In eastern Canada, we have seniors and we have systems that other provinces do not have, which is why we need to push things a little further." (2019-12-11)
Blood Donation:

Long-term Care:
Palliative Care:
Rare Diseases / Drug Access
  • During a meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19, highlighted the need to make Trikafta available to Canadians with cystic fibrosis: "…I asked the Prime Minister whether the government was going to make Trikafta, which might have saved Chantelle's life, available to Canadians. Now that almost 12 weeks have passed, we understand that Vertex Pharmaceuticals has not yet applied to Health Canada for study. Many of my Conservative colleagues and I have recently sent a letter to the minister asking for an update on how we support those negotiations with Vertex." (2020-05-12)
  • In the media has expressed concern over drug access in rural communities, and the detriments of limiting rebates drug manufacturers can give to pharmacies: "If not implemented right, the end result could be rural pharmacies having to shut their doors. A rural pharmacy generally deals in lesser volumes, so a cap on rebates could significantly affect their bottom line." Guelph Mercury Article (2010-09-20) https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/2709321-nova-scotia-to-consult-drug-makers-and-users-on-ballooning-prescription-costs/ :
Pharmacare
  • While he was Minister of Health in Nova Scotia, supported an additional $12 million investment in the Seniors' Pharmacare program (2006-07). "This investment in Seniors' Pharmacare will allow Nova Scotia to continue to have the most comprehensive Pharmacare program in Atlantic Canada. As prescription drug costs continue to rise, a modest increase in the fees will allow the program to continue to provide benefits to the greatest number of seniors." (News Release, 2006 https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20060315002 ):
Cannabis
Mental Health

Mike Kelloway

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Cape Breton—Canso, Nova Scotia

Elected: 2019

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee experience: None

Biography: Life long resident of Cape Breton—Canso, studied Community Studies at Cape Breton University and later studied at the University of Calgary where he pursued graduate studies in Education. Prior to his election in 2019, he was a special project administrator at the Nova Scotia Community College. Prior to being elected, he was Community Innovation Lead for Cape Breton and North Eastern NS.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus:
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • What is the difference between confirmed and presumptive cases?
    • What steps should someone taken upon arriving in Canada with the virus?
    • Could you define "low risk"?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked:
    • How is Canada assisting developing countries?
    • Do travellers have the right to refuse health screenings? How effective are health screenings?
Pharmacare:
  • Delivered a Member's Statement on December 9, 2019, wherein he stated he was "ready to get to work with our Prime Minister and this government to take serious action on […] implementing a universal pharmacare plan". (Question Period, December 9, 2019)
Health Care access:
  • During Question Period, asked the Minister of Health what the Government is doing to help provinces improve access to family doctors or primary care teams (February 4, 2020).

Larry Maguire

Political Affiliation: Conservative

Constituency: Brandon – Souris, Manitoba.

Elected: 2013, 2015, 2019.

Current Role: Standing Committee on Health (October 2020) Committee Experience: Was a member of Justice (2020), Canadian Heritage (2016-17), Citizenship and Immigration (2017-19), Agriculture and Agri-Food (2015), Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2015), Government Operations and Estimates (2014-15), Human Resources, Skills and Social Development (2014-15), Public Safety and National Security (2014), Scrutiny of Regulations (2014).

Biography: Mr. Maguire grew up on a farm and has closely tied values to the agricultural sector. He has been the President of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers (1995-1999), and was twice elected to the Canadian Wheat Board Advisory Committee. He is still an executive member of the Canada Grains Council and of the Keystone Agriculture Producers.

Member's Interests

Health Care System/Services/Accessibility:
  • In the 42nd Parliament, introduced Motion M-592 on March 30, 2015 regarding setting national standards for electronic health records. The motion, which was never debated, set out to have the Standing Committee on Health undertake a study about the creation of national standards for electronic health care records. It also stated that in the course of its study, the Committee should be guided by the principles that:
    • all electronic records and their content is to be considered the property of the patients,
    • patients have a right to obtain the said records at all times at their discretion, and
    • the privacy of individual electronic records must be upheld at all times.
  • When asked by CBC News in 2015 what he found frustrating about the current health care system, Maguire responded with "A lack of doctors in some of the rural areas. What we have done federally is to provide an incentive for regions like this, to make sure that we continue to build a supply that helps the provinces and [that we] have good health care in our rural and remote regions." (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/election-manitoba-brandon-souris-larry-maguire-1.3258974)
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID):
  • On February 27, 2020, during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), expressed concern over the eligibility criteria: "As someone who believes in individual rights and in the judgment of medical experts, I agree with this approach. My only concern is that we have left it too vague."
  • On February 27, 2020, during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he was vocal about the need for access to MAID in rural areas: "As a champion of rural Canada, I know first-hand the unique challenges that millions of people face every day due to their isolation or remoteness. I want to give the benefit of the doubt to the government that it is committed to rural Canadians, but its record says something completely different. While these issues cannot be fixed in this legislation, we cannot treat them in isolation while discussing MAID."
  • On February 27, 2020, during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he was critical of the changes outlined in the new C-7 legislation: "As it stands, patients must make a written request for MAID that is witnessed by two independent witnesses. In Bill C-7, this has been changed to one independent witness. I believe it is incumbent on the government to justify this change and to outline the rationale for why it needed to be amended. The government is also removing the mandatory 10-day period after the written request is signed. Once again, this is a significant change that goes above and beyond what was required for the law to be in compliance with the Quebec Superior Court decision."
  • On February 27, 2020, during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), when asked by NDP Member of Parliament Randall Garrison if he supported that legislation for MAID allow for advance requests, he stated that: "I have already heard from many in my area who are quite supportive of that and of having the 90-day before going forward. This is one of the changes to "reasonably foreseeable" put in the bill, and I support the part of the bill that would allow them to do that."
Palliative Care:
  • On February 27, 2020, during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he was critical of the Government's response to improving the availability of palliative care: "We were also quite adamant about improving access to palliative care. Even though the delivery of health care falls under the purview of provincial governments, we passed a private members' bill to implement an action plan. My colleague from Sarnia—Lambton, who worked hard to get this legislation passed, is very disappointed that the government's five-year action plan failed to commit enough resources or outline a clear set of measurable outcomes. In a rural riding like mine, there are not enough palliative care services available. My heart goes out to those families who must send loved ones to a different community in the final days of their lives."
Mental Health:
  • On May 13, 2020, during Second Reading debate of Bill C-16 (An Act to amend the Canadian Dairy Commission Act), he expressed concern over the mental health of Canadian farmers: "The mental health of farmers is something we need to look at too, and I would ask my colleague to comment on that. That article published by The Globe and Mail indicates that 58% of farmers meet the threshold for anxiety and 35% already meet the level of what is classified as depression."
  • On his website he "marked the start of Mental Health Week in Canada by highlighting that mental health help is always there for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, Veterans and RCMP members who need it."
Pharmacare:
  • Has been reticent in the media on the idea of implementing National Pharmacare: ""We know that drugs are very expensive for our seniors, we know that pharmacare has been talked about as far as a national program, but we also know, according to the Conference Board of Canada, that 98 per cent of people today are already eligible today for a program that's already existing". (News Article – Brandon Sun (2019-09-20) https://www.brandonsun.com/local/candidates-tackle-seniors-issues-560841142.html)
Diabetes:
  • On May 28, 2019, during debate on M-173 (Diabetes Awareness Month), he was critical of the Government's role in helping Canadians with Diabetes: "While proclaiming a diabetes awareness month is good and all, when rubber hits the road, the government has unfairly treated thousands of Canadians who suffer from diabetes." During this same intervention, Maguire focused more on diabetics needing to be eligible for the disability tax credit.

Ron McKinnon

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam, BC

Elected: 2015 and 2019

Current Role: Chair of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee experience: Standing Committee on Health (2016-2019), Standing Committee on Justice (2017-2019)

Biography: As a member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and the Standing Committee on Health, worked on legislation related to Medical Assistance in Dying and the Cannabis Act, and participated in a number of studies, such as Pharmacare, Human Trafficking, Access to Justice, Support for Jurors, and Antimicrobial Resistance.

Introduced Bill C-224, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which became law in May 2017 after receiving unanimous all-party support.

Prior to his election, he was a successful business owner and computer systems analyst to major firms in Canada, the US, and overseas. In the 1970s, he worked as a meteorological technician for Environment Canada. Ron has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta and an honours diploma in Computer Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus – COVID-19:
  • On October 22, 2020, during Second Reading Debate on the Motion for the Production of Papers to the Standing Committee on Health, did not support the motion, expressing that it was unfocused: "Receiving a massive package of documents that we will all need to sort through is unproductive. I suggest that instead, as each topic is studied, documents can be requested from the witnesses who appear before the committee, as they often are."
Cannabis:
  • Stated that Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, is "one of the biggest and most transformative public policy shifts in recent history" and that the "previous approach did not work". (May 14, 2019)
Drug use and abuse:
  • Introduced Bill C-224, an Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (assistance in overdose drugs) which received Royal Assent on May 4, 2017. Also known as the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, the Bill amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in order to exempt from charges for possession or charges related to the violation of certain conditions or orders a person who seeks emergency medical or law enforcement assistance for themselves or another person following overdosing on a controlled substance.
Marketing of unhealthy foods to children:
  • Spoke in favour of Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibiting food and beverage marketing directed at children) on February 12, 2018. He noted that this bill would protect the health and well-being of all Canadian children.
Organ Donation:
  • On November 5, 2018, spoke in favour of Bill C-316 (An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ donors).
Palliative Care:
  • On May 9, 2017, spoke in favour of Bill C-277, an Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care in Canada and to discuss our government's commitment to improving palliative and end of life care for all Canadians. He noted that "while medical assistance in dying is only one potential option at the end of life, experiences in other countries suggest that only a fraction will seek it. It seems that many Canadians who could benefit from palliative care do not receive it."
Patient Safety:
  • On November 1, 2017, delivered a Members' Statement recognizing Canadian Patient Safety Week. He noted that patient safety incidents are the third leading cause of death, behind cancer and heart disease in Canada.

Jennifer O'Connell

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Pickering—Uxbridge, Ontario

Elected: 2015 and 2019

Current Role: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Committee experience:

  • Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021- )
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
  • Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Finance (2017-2018)
  • Finance (2016-2018)

Biography: A former three-term city and regional councillor in the City of Pickering and Durham Region, Ms. O'Connell has played an active role on several boards and committees over the years. She also served as deputy mayor for Pickering and a member of the Durham Region Finance and Administration Committee. Previously, she spent four years as the chair of the Waterfront Committee and vice-chair of the Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee.

Ms. O'Connell graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor degree in Political Science. Through her work as a junior legal assistant and volunteer at a labour law firm, she found her passion for giving a voice to those in need. She learned early on how to channel her passion into real and tangible results, and soon became the youngest elected politician in her municipal ward.

Member's Interests

Long-Term Care Homes
  • During debate on March 22, 2021:
    • She stated that if members are supportive of creating better conditions, then they need to support Bill C-14, which will provide $1 billion in support for LTCH.
    • She called out the CPC leader for publically rejecting national standards for long-term care.
    • She also stated that she is in favour of national standards.
Vaccines

During an emergency debate on January 26, 2021, she stated that vaccines are important in getting us through the pandemic, and that decisions on vaccines need to be science-led.

Dr. Marcus Powlowski

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Thunder Bay—Rainy River, Ontario

Elected: 2019

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee experience: None

Biography: A Thunder Bay native, as well as a physician in the Emergency Room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre prior to his election. In addition to being a medical doctor, he has two law degrees - LL.B, LL.M from the universities of Toronto and Georgetown, respectively. He also attended Harvard University and obtained a Masters of Public Health in Health Law and Policy.

Dr. Powlowski worked as a doctor for two years in northern First Nations communities, and for seven years practicing medicine in several developing countries in Africa and Oceania. For several years, he worked as a consultant in health legislation for the World Health Organization. He also volunteered on a medical project in Ethiopia.

Member's Interests

Coronovirus – COVID-19:
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • Is Canada considering asking people returning from China to voluntarily self-isolate?
    • Can the virus be communicated even when asymptomatic?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked if CBSA was considering extending their questions to include everyone travelling from China.
  • During PHAC and DND's February 5, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked whether people travelling to Canada from China are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days?
  • Posted Facebook statements reiterating comments made by PHAC and the Province of Ontario.
  • Strong advocate for vaccines.

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Political Affiliation: Conservative

Constituency: Calgary Nose Hill, Alberta

Elected: 2011, 2015, and 2019

Current Role: Health Critic

Committee experience: Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020), Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2016-2019), Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2011-2013).

Biography: In government, Ms. Rempel Garner held the positions of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment. Previously, she built a strong reputation for successfully promoting innovative academic and business research partnerships, serving in a senior managerial capacity at the University of Calgary. She also worked in the technology commercialization division of the University of Manitoba, where she assisted in administering commercialization strategies for a portfolio of over 200 emerging technologies.

Prior to this, she was engaged as a managerial consultant in Calgary, applying her knowledge of intellectual property management within a professional service framework in the areas of strategic planning, project management, process reengineering, and marketing where she gained insight in the health and educational sectors.

When she was 18, Ms. Rempel also worked in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba. She also helped work on patent administration for the early IP of The Winnipeg Ventilator.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus – COVID-19:
  • During an Emergency debate on January 26, 2021, pointed to Italy, which is reportedly mulling whether to pursue legal action against Pfizer over the delay. "I'm really wondering why the federal government has been so quiet. What recourse did the federal government negotiate with Pfizer and why haven't they decided to pursue it?"
  • During Question Period on January 27, 2021, asked if the PM is planning on suing any company that fails to deliver vaccines.
  • During Question Period on January 26, 2021, asked what the Government will do "If the EU bans exports of vaccines, where will Canada get its supply from?"
  • During Question Period on October 27, 2020, pressured the Government on vaccine contracts: "I will ask again. Could the Minister confirm that she agreed to contracts that put Canadians three months behind, at a minimum, the Americans when it came to a COVID-19 vaccine?"
  • During Question Period on October 26, 2020, questioned the Minister of Health on evidence for restaurant closures reducing the spread of COVID-19: "Why are cases increasing even though we are wearing masks and we have had restaurant closures? How much do restaurant closures actually reduce the spread of COVID-19? What data is she basing that information on, and has she shared that with the provinces?"
  • During Question Period on October 7, 2020, pressured the Prime Minister on rapid testing: "This is my simple question: How many rapid tests are Canadians going to get and when?"
  • During Question Period in the House of Commons on October 6, 2020, questioned the Minister of Health on using rapid testing to avoid prolonged quarantine measures: "Why does the Prime Minister not have a plan to let people see their loved ones by using rapid testing to keep our communities safe?"
  • During Question Period on October 6, 2020, pressured the Government on rapid testing: "This year, many people will not be able to travel or will not be able to see their ailing family members because they cannot afford to take the quarantine. That is the reality for many people across this country, and rapid testing could be the solution. Why has the Prime Minister not provided this tool as a way to augment quarantine requirements?"
  • Tweeted on October 5, 2020: "We need rapid testing two months ago. Where are the rapid tests?"
  • Tweeted on October 3, 2020: "Trudeau's Health Minister needs to ensure that officials in the federal government are providing clear, concise, data driven information about COVID-19. This buzz word ridden statement provides no clear direction. Get it together."
  • During Question Period on October 2, 2020, pressured the Government on rapid testing measures: "Mr. Speaker, the second wave of coronavirus is turning into a tsunami because the Prime Minister has failed to get Canadians rapid testing. This is insane, because the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health actually has a rapid testing company in his own constituency in Dartmouth. This is crazy."
  • "Our country is in the middle of a pandemic, and health policy impacts virtually every part of our daily lives. Be it protecting the health and wellbeing of all Canadians, setting guidelines that determine if Canadians can get back to work, the long-term prospects of the Canadian economy, children receiving an education, or reuniting families with loved ones, right now, all roads lead to health. (Press Release, September 8, 2020)
  • I am eager to take on this role and support Erin O'Toole in presenting a clear plan which will protect Canadians while getting people back to work, school, and activities that we cherish but that aren't there right now. (Press Release, September 8, 2020)
  • During meetings of the Special Committee on COVID-19 (COVID), asked Ministers:
    • "It's been suggested that Canada's government has been providing advice to Canadians based, at least in part, upon appeasing the WHO and, in turn, the Government of China. Would this be an accurate characterization?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "How many lost Canadian lives and jobs can be attributed to the government believing the statement made by the WHO in January that here's no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "How many lost lives and Canadian jobs can be attributed to Dr. Tam's stating in January, "It's going to be rare"?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "How many lost Canadian lives and jobs can be attributed to the minister's opinion that "border measures are highly ineffective" in March or that border measures don't work at all?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "When the minister stated, "It's unfortunate that misinformation is creating a perception for Canadians that belies reality" at a press conference, was she referring to the advice coming from her, the Prime Minister and Dr. Tam?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "Given the literal failure of the government, the fatal failure of the government, to provide timely, sound advice to Canadians on COVID-19, would it be fair to say that Canadians should think twice before blindly placing their trust in this government when it comes to measures that take away their civil liberties, safety and livelihoods?" (May 21, 2020)
    • "What are the specific quantities of critical PPE—masks, gowns, face shields, gloves and hand sanitizer—that Canadian industry is currently producing on a daily basis?" "That wasn't a response to my question. I asked how many masks were being produced in Canada versus what the total demand was. What's the delta in terms of numbers, in terms of what we're being required to import that might be potentially defective, both today and then projected under the terms of provincial reopening efforts?" (April 28, 2020)
  • During officials appearance at HESA on April 14, 2020, asked:
    • "Has the government or any official internal to your department directed your department to prepare or participate in any type of formally structured, federal government-led national economic relaunch strategy that includes staged and safe lifting of mass isolation measures?"
    • "Has the government or any official internal to your department directed your department to prepare advice to the government on potential privacy issues related to utilizing individual testing data and contact tracing as part of a strategy to begin lifting mass isolation measures?"
    • "Are you aware of any work that your department might have done, any advice that's been provided to the government with regard to how to mitigate violations of individual privacy in a contact-tracing scenario?"
Long-Term Care Homes:
  • Questioned the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in Question Period on "deplorable living conditions" in long-term care homes in B.C. owned by Chinese-owned Anbang Insurance Group Ltd. Called on the Government to review this transaction to ensure "seniors have a better life". (December 13, 2019)
Health Research:
Blood Ban:
  • During Question Period on October 27, 2020, stated that she would like to see urgency from the Government to end the blood ban: "Where is the action on that? It has been five years."
  • In her September 8, 2020 press release, noted that she is looking forward to ending Canada's discriminatory blood ban.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD):
  • Stated during debate, on Bill C-14, that the Government's approach to the Carter ruling was concerning in "that much of its rationale for its response seems to be that the Supreme Court has forced Parliament to allow a framework for physician-assisted dying". (May 2, 2016)
  • Also stated that "the bill in its current state would leave provincial legislatures and medical associations with unresolved legislative issues leading to a balkanized patchwork of legislation and processes related to this issue." (May 2, 2016)
  • Indicated further concerns with MAiD in the following areas: "the need to study issues of use of advance directives in physician-assisted dying, availability of physician-assisted dying to mature minors, and the definition of conditions beyond the scope of the Carter ruling under which physician-assisted dying would be available in the future", and the "direction regarding conscience rights of medical practitioners and faith-based care facilities in being required to provide physician-assisted dying to patients". (May 2, 2016)

Sonia Sidhu

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Brampton South, Ontario

Elected: 2015 and 2019

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee experience: Standing Committee on Health (2016 to present), Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2018-19), Special Committee on Pay Equity (2016).

Biography: Before politics, Ms. Sidhu worked as a healthcare professional for 18 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and has volunteered in her community, including at Trillium Health Centre. She has a passion for diabetes awareness and prevention, which she champions in her role as the Chair of the All-Party Diabetes Caucus. She serves as the General-Secretary of the Canada-India Parliamentary Friendship Group and executive member of both the Canada-Poland and Canada-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus – COVID-19:
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • How could people self-report?
    • What are the protocols if someone shows symptoms upon arrival?
    • How has PHAC addressed misinformation?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked how Canadian citizens who are minors with non-citizen parents will be repatriated.
  • During PHAC and DND's February 5, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked how hospitals, which are at capacity, can deal with cases of coronavirus.
Cancer:
  • Asked the Minister of Health what the Government is doing to fight cancer (Question Period, February 4, 2019)
Diabetes:
  • During Question Period on November 2, 2020, highlighted the first-ever Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada, and pushed for a national framework: "We must do better, and we need a national framework. We brought insulin to the world. Why can we not be a global leader in diabetes treatment as well?"
  • On February 19, 2020, introduced Motion M-33 to (a) designate November 14 of each year as "Frederick Banting Day"; and (b) recognize that (i) one in four Canadians lives with prediabetes or diabetes, a chronic disease that can result in life-threatening complications if not treated, and (ii) Canada, the birthplace of insulin — a hormone that has played a key role in the control of diabetes since being discovered by Frederick Banting — seeks to be a leader in promoting diabetes awareness and education. Ms. Sidhu is 20th on the Order of Precedence.
  • Introduced Motion M-173 to make November of every year, Diabetes Awareness Month.
  • Delivered a Member's Statement on December 10, 2019, highlighting Diabetes Awareness Month and stating that by "working together we can defeat diabetes, improve the health of Canadians and save our health care system billions of dollars."
Food:
  • Supported Bill S-228 (The Child Protection Act). Stated on December 12, 2017, that "as chair of the all-party diabetes caucus, I know the importance of deterring unhealthy food choices in favour of a healthy, active lifestyle".
Medical Assistance in Dying:
  • On May 31, 2016, spoke in favour of Bill C-14. "The framework laid out in Bill C-14 provides a solid, focused and detailed plan, which will meet the June 6 deadline set out by the court. Permitting medical assistance in dying will extend more control to eligible terminally ill patients on how to live out their last days. This legislation also provides important safeguards and limitations."
Organ / Tissue Donation:
  • On April 8, 2019, delivered a Member's Statement to raise awareness around bone marrow donation and to raise awareness for the worldwide bone marrow donor registry.

Luc Thériault

Political Affiliation: Bloc Québécois

Constituency: Montcalm, Québec

Elected: 2015 and 2019

Current Role: Second Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Health; Critic for Health and Medical Assistance in Dying; Democratic Institutions.

Committee experience: N/A

Biography: Obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and a Master's Degree in Political Philosophy from the Université du Québec à Montréal. Professor of philosophy at Collège Maisonneuve from 1985 to 2003. Member of the Ethics Committee of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Center and the Jeanne-Le Ber CHSLD from 2000 to 2003. Elected to the National Assembly of Québec (Parti Québécois) between 2003-2007. House Leader of the Bloc Québécois from 2015-2019.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus – COVID-19:
  • At recent HESA meetings, he has indicated the importance of getting answer from the Government on vaccine rollout and making it a priority for their studies.
  • On October 22, 2020, during Second Reading Debate on the Motion for the Production of Papers to the Standing Committee on Health, expressed several areas of interest:
    • The entire testing process
    • The vaccine procurement process and conflicts of interest
    • The Global Public Health Intelligence Network
    • Health transfers
    • Availability of health equipment
  • During Question Period on February 25, 2020, asked the Minister of Health if there was sufficient federal preparation and coordination to fight COVID-19 if it were to become a pandemic in Canada.
  • During PHAC and DND's February 5, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked:
    • Will symptomatic passengers be directed to Vancouver hospitals during fuel stop?
    • Will those who become sick at CFB Trenton be treated on site?
    • Why do provincial lab results have to be sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked:
    • How many Quebecers are returning from China and would they be monitored?
    • Did not believe that the Federal Government was communicating well with the Quebec Government.
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • Has anyone been infected outside of China?
    • Can you provide more details on the repatriation of Canadians from China?
    • How are people arriving from China monitored during the incubation period?
    • How long does it take to confirm a case?
  • Asked the government if it could update the House on its contingency plan for the Coronavirus outbreak, and outline its steps to contain the spread of the virus. (January 27, 2019 – Question Period)
Health Transfers:
  • During Question Period on October 6, 2020, criticized the Speech from the Throne's take on Health Transfers: "…the government turned a deaf ear to the call to increase health transfers, when 81% of Quebeckers and 73% of Canadians are calling for an increase and all the experts who appeared before the committee told us that the chronic underfunding over the past 25 years has weakened our health care systems' ability to deal with this pandemic?"
  • During Question Period on October 6, 2020, criticized the Liberal Government's lack of action in increasing Health Transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic: "Why do the Liberals refuse to increase health transfers in the middle of the worst pandemic in a century?"
  • On November 23, 24, 28, 29, and October 1, 2020, he criticized the lack of attention paid to Health Transfers: "What our guardian angels need is for the federal government to keep its word and transfer the necessary funding to Quebec so that it can take care of its people."
  • On February 4, 2020, asked the Minister of Health in Question Period if the Government would respect Quebec's request and increase health transfers to the province.
  • During the past Parliament, introduced Bill C-300, An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act (Canada Health Transfer). Mr. Thériault noted upon its introduction that the Bill "seeks to set the minimum increase in Canadian health transfers at 6% annually, so that the federal government's reinvestment reaches 25% of the Quebec health care system's total spending, after which a review could be planned to align increases in transfer payments with the system's costs." (June 17, 2016)
  • Called on the Minister to "maintain the 6% transfer increase without conditions, as the Quebec National Assembly is unanimously calling for" (September 29, 2016 – Question Period)
  • Described a decrease in health transfers as "a direct attack on the Quebec health system. There is less money for access to doctors, less money for nurses, and less money for care and surgical procedures." (September 27, 2016 – Question Period)
  • "Never has a government done so much so quickly to undermine the quality of care in Quebec. People are waiting 18 hours to see an emergency room doctor and six months for an appointment, yet the minister would have us believe that cuts will solve the problem." (September 20, 2016 – Question Period)
  • Repeatedly called on the Minister to "meet the unanimous demand from Quebec and the provinces for an increase in health transfers" while allowing Quebec the independence to manage its own healthcare system (December 6 and December 9, 2019 – Question Period).
  • "I would like the government to maintain health transfer increases at 6%, let the provinces decide what the needs are, and raise that amount to 25%. That would be acceptable because Quebec is capable of managing its own health sector." (January 26, 2016 – Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne)
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID):
  • On February 27, 2020 during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he was critical of how the legislation outlined eligibility criteria: "The minister says that practitioners are able to discern when people with Alzheimer's who initially seemed in favour of medical assistance in dying may have changed their minds along the way. If doctors are able to discern that these people have changed their minds along the way, then why are they not eligible, like Ms. Gladu and Mr. Truchon?" During this same debate, he further pressed the issue of eligibility by stating, "Patients who request it do so by choice. This choice is necessary, and for there to be a choice, there need to be options."
  • On February 27, 2020 during Second Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he made the following link between palliative care and MAID: "Does he not agree that one way to increase the availability and accessibility of palliative care for those who need it, but who would not benefit from it, would be to provide access to MAID?"
  • On February 26, 2020 during First Reading Debate of Bill C-7 (Medical Assistance in Dying), he stated, "I am quite pleased that the government was wise enough not to extend medical assistance in dying to individuals with a mental illness. However, the problem has not been resolved. When someone continues to suffer, despite years of treatment, to the point where they are considering death as the only possible relief, that is a failure for the medical profession in terms of mental health. There is no palliative care in mental health."
  • Moved a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee "undertake a study on why or why not assisted dying should be extended to patients suffering from mental illness".
  • Moved a motion at HESA on February 19, 2020, that the Committee "undertake a comparative study of Canada and other countries where palliative care and assisted dying are offered, with a particular focus on availability and accessibility". After debate, the motion was withdrawn. However, during debate, he highlighted the need for quality palliative care for individuals seeking it.
  • Proposed an amendment to Bill C-14 An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) which would have eliminated the notion of "natural death that is reasonably foreseeable". He stated that it is "inhumane that a vulnerable and suffering person must go on a hunger strike to be eligible for medical assistance in dying. People who suffer deserve clear guidelines for effective end-of-life care" (May 30, 2019 – Press Release)
  • Stated that Bill C-14 "would have been amended and considered unconstitutional. I imagine that is why the bill was never referred to the Supreme Court." (June 16, 2016 – Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).)
  • "Why is the Minister of Justice intent on withdrawing the right to self-determination from the most vulnerable people in society, the people suffering from a grievous and irremediable illness, disease, or disability that causes intolerable suffering?" (June 9, 2016 – Question Period)
  • "Everyone thinks that the Quebec law has struck the proper balance. In terms of end-of-life care, it is good legislation and there has been a consensus about that for almost six years. However, that legislation does not resolve the problem of assisted suicide. This bill and this law do not currently apply to Kay Carter's situation. We must comply with the Supreme Court ruling, which contains criteria that differ from those found in the bill. It is too restrictive." (May 17, 2016 - Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).)
  • "I am talking about palliative care as it should be. That does not mean putting sick people in beds in hallways and leaving them to die. It means holistic care delivered by specially trained staff along with adequate pain management, which was not allowed sometimes. Patients were not receiving the dosage they needed because it was thought that a high dosage could cause death. Quebec has dealt with that. The province has a framework for palliative care as end-of-life care. Health care is under provincial jurisdiction, and Quebec is a leader on this. I think this bill needs an equivalency clause so that the federal law will not result in duplication, thereby changing the way Quebec's law works." (May 3, 2016 - Debate on Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying).)
  • Stated that MAID should be a priority for this Parliament and that the BQ will collaborate to make the legislation work, this time. (December 12, 2019)
Mixed Alcoholic Beverages:
  • During Question Period on October 5, 2020, he highlighted the work of Educ'alcool: "We can be proud of the progress that has been made, but it must not distract us from the serious challenges that lie ahead when it comes to alcohol."
  • With wisdom gained over the past 30 years, Éduc'alcool will tackle those challenges, especially ending alcohol-related domestic and sexual violence and continuing to work toward eliminating impaired driving.
  • Called on the Minister of Health to suspend the sale of highly sweetened, high-alcohol beverages while new regulations are drafted and put in place. (March 20, 2018 – Question Period)
  • "…will the Minister of Health also consider banning the addition of guarana to these alcoholic drinks?" (March 19, 2018 – Question Period)
Opioids and Drugs:
  • "…in a crisis as significant and unprecedented as the fentanyl and carfentanil crisis, the harm reduction approach, relatively speaking, has been much more effective than a coercive approach." (May 15, 2017 - Debate on Bill C-37, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
Consumer Products:
  • Tabled a petition calling on the "Minister of Health to make it mandatory to list ingredients on household products based on the listing regulations for cosmetics." (June 9, 2017 – Petition 421-01483)
Cannabis:
  • Supported the Government of Québec's call for cannabis legalization to come into force on July 1, 2019 (October 18, 2018 – Question of Privilege)
  • Questioned how cannabis legalization would "squeeze out organized crime" (November 21, 2017 – Debate on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act.

Tony van Bynen

Political Affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada

Constituency: Newmarket—Aurora, Ontario

Elected: 2019

Current Role: Member of the Standing Committee on Health

Committee experience: None

Biography: Prior to his career in politics, he had a 30-year career in banking as a Branch Manager. He was elected as a city councillor in Newmarket in 2000, and served as Mayor of Newmarket from 2006 to 2018.

He and his wife have volunteered at the Southlake Hospital for over 10 years. As Mayor of Newmarket, he was also on the board of directors for Southlake Regional Healthcare. He also helped to create Belinda's Place, which is a multi-purpose facility for homeless and at-risk women.

Member's Interests

Coronavirus:
  • On October 22, 2020, during Second Reading Debate on the Motion for the Production of Papers to the Standing Committee on Health, did not support the motion, and expressed concern over too many priorities: "If we have too many priorities, 16 to be exact, we have no priorities at all. (October 22, 2020)
  • During Question Period on October 20, 2020, expressed concerns over the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health: "The mental health crisis in our country is a silent pandemic for which there is no vaccine. We are constantly hearing warnings and concerns from medical professionals, and I hear concerns from my constituents, as well."
  • During Health Portfolio's January 29, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked officials:
    • How could Canada respond if the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?
    • How is PHAC working with local governments?
    • What improvements have we seen since SARS?
  • During GAC, TC, PS, and CBSA's February 3, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked how well the planes are disinfected.
  • During PHAC and DND's February 5, 2020 appearance before HESA, asked how MPs could address online misinformation.
Healthcare Funding:
  • When asked during an interview with Newmarket Today to explain his stance on healthcare issues, he stated: "We don't need to look too far to see what the impact of the cuts to health care has had here in Ontario […] I've been on the (Southlake) hospital board for the last nine years. I understand and genuinely believe that hospitals are working hard to be as efficient as possible, and when you cut back on hospital and medicare funding, you're cutting into the bone, you're not just cutting fat. That's a concern of mine." (Newmarket Today, September 26, 2019)
Mental Health:
  • On October 7, 2020 he released a statement to move a motion at the Standing Committee on Health (HESA) to study the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being of Canadians: "The personal, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of Canadians is unprecedented. Many experts are signaling to us that this will be the "second pandemic", and action is necessary".

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