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Health

In question period, the Conservative health critic asked about the cancelled PrescribeIT e-prescribing program, saying it cost taxpayers $300 million despite low usage, that its CEO received high pay and a bonus, and that ministers should take responsibility. The parliamentary secretary replied that the program was launched by the previous government with the aim of becoming self-funded, that uptake did not meet expectations, and that the government redirected funding toward other digital health priorities. Conservatives also accused the government of blocking study of the matter at the health committee and asked that the block end; the government said it is refocusing health spending toward national health data standards. No other members spoke on the topic in the sampled exchanges.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

3 statements

Maggie Chi

Liberal
“The previous government started the PrescribeIT program, and it was supposed to pay for itself. Not enough people used it, so we stopped funding it to spend the money in better ways.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, PrescribeIT was launched by the previous government in 2017 in consultation with provinces and territories. The program was always intended to become self-funded over time. When it became clear that it was not having the expected uptake and there was no path toward financial sustainability, our new government made the responsible decision to end funding to the program and redirect resources to make sure we maximize benefits for all Canadians.

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Maggie Chi

Liberal
“The digital prescription program was not being used enough, and provinces asked us to change it. So, we stopped funding it and are moving that money to other programs that help more people.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 47 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I will reiterate that the program was intended for pharmacies and clinicians to do e-prescribing. After consultation with and requests from provinces and territories, when it became clear that the uptake was not there, our new government decided to end the funding to the program and redirect resources to make sure that it benefits all Canadians.

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Maggie Chi

Liberal
“We are changing how we spend money on digital health care. We want to set national rules for health data so our partners can build better health systems for Canadians.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 46 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • A repeated line

    “Faster and more effectively for all Canadians.”

    Said 3 times by 2 members since May 1.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada’s new government was elected with a clear mandate to ensure that programs and policies are delivered smarter, faster and more effectively for all Canadians. We are refocusing our spending and Canada Health Infoway’s mandate so we can support the development of national health data standards while allowing our health sector partners to deliver solutions that work for all Canadians.

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