“Health care belongs to Quebec and the provinces. I do not see how this bill can connect health data while respecting Quebec's powers. We have not received enough guarantees, and I want to know if my colleague sees these risks too.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. Health is a jurisdiction that belongs to Quebec and the provinces. We fail to see how this bill can truly establish data interoperability while also respecting Quebec’s jurisdictions. The Bloc Québécois is issuing this fairly serious warning given that we have not yet received sufficient guarantees. Has my colleague also noted the risks involved in failing to properly connect the pieces across the provinces, Quebec and the federal government?”

“This bill lets the federal government control health care, but only the provinces have that power. I want to know if my colleague will help change the bill to protect Quebec's powers.”

“Mr. Speaker, as drafted, clause 7 of the bill puts Quebec and the provinces under federal control, although such responsibility is by no means within the federal government’s purview. Health is the exclusive jurisdiction of Quebec and the provinces. Does my colleague support amending clause 7 to recognize Quebec’s jurisdictions?”

“Quebec wants the federal government to renew the health transfer deal before it ends next spring, with funding growing by at least 5% each year. Health care belongs to the provinces. I want to know what the member thinks of Quebec's request.”

“Mr. Speaker, my colleague herself raised the issue of health transfers. In a few minutes—we can hear the buzz in the House—the budget will be presented. We know that Quebec’s request, made earlier this week, has two priorities. Quebec’s new finance minister has asked for the current health transfer agreement to be renewed. It is set to expire next spring. Minister Marceau is also asking that the agreement include a minimum annual growth rate of 5%. What does my colleague think of this entirely legitimate request from Quebec, given that health care falls within its jurisdiction?”