House of Commons
HANSARD
June 6, 2011
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) :
Mr. Speaker, the Health Council of Canada released its 2011 progress report and the conclusion is very clear. The government failed to make progress because it failed to show leadership.
Conservatives stalled altogether on a cost-saving national prescription drug program, failing Canadians who are now facing extraordinary drug costs.
Will the government acknowledge its lack of progress and commit to working with New Democrats to protect Canada’s health care system?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, CPC) :
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleague for the next four years. Our government recognizes the importance of timely access to health care and is working to support the provinces and the territories in their efforts to address the issue of wait times, as an example. We have increased the transfers to the provinces by over 33% since we formed government so that the provinces and territories can continue to focus in areas of importance. We will work collaboratively with the provinces and territories to renew the health care accord and to continue to reduce wait times in their respective jurisdictions.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) :
Mr. Speaker, health care is far too important for just empty rhetoric and Canadians are very tired of false promises.
Leading into the 2014 health care negotiations, now is the time to bring in much needed improvements.
Will the government commit to holding open consultations with Canadians so that the next accord reflects their values and priorities for health care in this country?