Radar Satellite
The Conservative government's money mismanagement
Statement on Multiple Sclerosis recognition month
Statement on Multiple Sclerosis recognition month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2013
Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurological disease among Canadian young adults, affects the lives of thousands of Canadians every day. Its symptoms include fatigue, loss of balance as well as vision impairment, and difficulty walking and speaking. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and every day, three more Canadians are diagnosed with this chronic disease.
To help increase awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) and enhance efforts to find a cure for this disease, May is MS month. This is an opportunity for all Canadians to help by donating or volunteering to ease the lives of people who have been diagnosed with this debilitating condition.
Research is critically important, and on many occasions, we in the NDP have urged the government to act on new research results.
As we observe MS month, we salute the MS Society of Canada and the many activists who have worked so hard to bring to Parliament’s attention the need for action and support for new research and treatment findings. We pledge that we will continue to support efforts to find a cure, and support those living with MS to live with dignity and the supports they need.
Auditor General says Canada’s diabetes strategy is failing to prevent diabetes
Auditor General says Canada’s diabetes strategy is failing to prevent diabetes
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House of Commons
HANSARD
May 1, 2013
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, it is ironic. When they were in opposition they sure wanted to know what happened to the money then.
The Auditor General has also raised the alarm about Health Canada’s pathetic efforts to prevent and control diabetes.
Health Canada has “no strategy, no priorities, no deliverables, no timelines and no performance measures”,
And to add insult to injury, 30% of the program costs went to administration.
How does the minister explain this abysmal failure?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, Minister of Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for Arctic Council, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, we have implemented or are in the process of implementing all the recommendations in the report. Prevention is critical when it comes to tackling diabetes. Our government invests in community-based programs, such as the Canada prenatal nutrition program, aboriginal Headstarts, Nutrition North Canada, to promote nutrition and improve access to healthy, traditional, and store-bought food.
I announced $25 million over 10 years for four pathways to health equity for aboriginal peoples, which look at obesity and other chronic diseases to improve the health outcomes of aboriginal peoples.
Auditor General says Canada's diabetes strategy is failing to prevent diabetes
Statement on Multiple Sclerosis recognition month
The Conservative government’s poor record on drug safety
The Conservative government’s poor record on drug safety
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House of Commons
HANSARD
April 30, 2013
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, we just hear more and more excuses. The fact is that drug safety is a federal responsibility. This negligence puts Canadians’ health in jeopardy.
Let us be clear, one of the companies that supplied diluted cancer drugs did approach Health Canada officials. Their response was, “We’re not responsible”.
This means there is no oversight, and who knows how many other companies are operating like this in Canada. Does the minister even know?
When will the Conservatives finally bring in comprehensive drug safety measures for Canadians?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the federal government proposed an interim solution while the provincial government is examining the jurisdictional question surrounding the drug service providers. Marchese has never applied for federal regulatory approval.
We have put forward an interim solution while the committee is examining the jurisdictional issue. We plan on working closely with the provincial and territorial governments to ensure that this matter is addressed.
The Conservative government's poor record on drug safety
Libby urges the government to reform drug safety checks
Libby urges the government to reform drug safety checks
House of Commons
HANSARD
April 29, 2013
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, this is the third time in less than a month that Canadian pharmaceuticals have been in the news for poor quality control.
Why?
Because Health Canada continues to fall behind on drug safety for Canadians. Apparently it is okay for the government to leave it to the U.S. to do Canada’s job.
Why are the Conservatives cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from Health Canada and not investing in comprehensive drug safety measures for Canadians?
The minister has to be accountable for that.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it is this government that has increased health transfers to the provinces and territories. Our government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians, and we are proposing an interim solution to ensure that all drug service providers fall within federal and provincial regulations.
We plan to work closely with the provinces and territories to address the situation as quickly as possible.