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Health

Question period focused on PrescribeIT, a federal digital prescriptions program. Conservative members said about $300 million was spent on the program with little to show for it, that Liberal MPs had halted health committee meetings, turned off cameras, and blocked the health minister from testifying, and they asked why the minister gave the responsible organization another $50 million despite its record. The health minister said the Conservatives were the ones blocking committee business, specifically a study on HIV and AIDS, said she had already answered questions about the program, and noted that budgeting $50 million is not the same as actually paying it out, adding that the organization’s mandate is under review and that Canada still needs better health data systems.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

3 statements

Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“The Conservatives keep blocking our committee's study on HIV. I do not think they care about health issues. They should let our committee work move forward.”

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am wondering why the Conservatives keep blocking the committee study on HIV. I do not think the Conservatives are all that interested in health issues. Since I have spoken with them several times about PrescribeIT, perhaps they could let the committee work move forward before we talk about that again.

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Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“The Conservatives are blocking a committee study on AIDS because they do not care about this crisis. I have already answered their questions.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I will say it again: The Conservatives are blocking the committee’s study on AIDS because they are not interested in this country-wide crisis. Meanwhile, I appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance the day before yesterday and a Conservative member asked me questions about the PrescribeIT program, which I answered. I believe I have answered the Conservatives’ questions.

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Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“Planning to spend $50 million is not the same as actually paying it out. I did not know this group was given money. We are reviewing what this group does, but Canada still needs better health data systems.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I was unaware that I had given the organization money. There is a big difference between budgeting for $50 million and actually disbursing it. What I want to say to the opposition is that, as I already told them, we are currently reviewing the organization’s mandate. At the same time, I would argue that, yes, Canadians need connected health systems. We need health data infrastructure across the country.

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