Health

During question period, Conservatives pressed the health minister on Canada Health Infoway and its PrescribeIT digital prescription program, saying the program spent $300 million without results and questioning a reported million-dollar severance package for the former CEO, Michael Green, including benefits and a performance payment. They also asked why the minister announced that a $50 million payment would be halted but her office later indicated the money would still go out, and they urged the government to cancel further funding. The minister replied that because the matter is before the courts she could not comment on the severance, said Infoway has received no funding this year, and said Health Canada is awaiting the results of an independent audit and organizational review before determining next steps.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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3 statements

Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

Liberal
“I cannot comment because this is before the courts. We are waiting for the independent review of this organization, and we will decide what to do next based on what it finds.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 48 of 100

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

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as this matter is before the courts, we have no comment. More broadly, we look forward to seeing the outcome of the Infoway third party audit and organizational review. We will base our next steps on those results.

Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

Liberal
“We have not given Infoway any money this year. We want to spend tax dollars wisely. We are waiting for an outside review and audit of Infoway before we decide what to do next.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we remain committed to ensuring value for taxpayer money. Infoway has received no funding this year. Health Canada is currently examining the next steps. As I said, more broadly, we look forward to seeing the outcome of the Infoway third party audit and organizational review before considering the next steps.

Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

Liberal
“Canada Health Infoway has received no money this year. Health Canada is deciding what to do next.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as with the previous answer, Infoway has received no funding this year, and now Health Canada is assessing the next steps.

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