Question Period Notes
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In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
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• Concerns have been raised regarding security at the National Microbiology Lab (NML) in Winnipeg following the tabling of documents related to the investigation of activities on February 28, 2024 and employment termination of two NML scientists.
• The availability of surgical abortion varies both between provinces and territories and nationally. Health Canada is aware of coverage issues resulting in patient charges for surgical abortion services in a limited number of private clinics in Ontario (5). The one private clinic that had been charging patients in New Brunswick closed in February 2024. These patient charges are considered user charges under the Canada Health Act.
• Through an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) are developing a new WHO instrument (i.e., a convention, treaty, accord, agreement or other international instrument) on pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
• Following the authorization of the Zonnic nicotine pouches, there have been serious concerns raised around the availability, use and advertising of the product.
• The Department received correspondence from several health organizations, Canadian Chief Medical Officers of Health, and citizens requesting to take immediate actions to mitigate youth access and appeal.
• This issue has also been the subject of sustained media attention.
• What is the Government doing to establish a national breast implant registry?
• In 2018, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Task Force) updated its guideline on screening for breast cancer in women aged 40-74, who are not at increased risk for breast cancer. Since this guideline’s publication, some advocacy groups, including medical imaging professionals and researchers, have publicly contested various aspects of the guideline.
• The Task Force announced in June 2023 that it was undertaking an expedited update of the 2018 guideline. Due to the complexity and amount of evidence being assessed, a publication date of spring 2024 is being targeted.
• On April 30, 2024, the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued the final version of their recommendation on breast cancer screening, which includes lowering the age of screening initiation from 50 to 40. It is anticipated that the release of this final guideline will generate stakeholder and media interest.
• Overview of federal action on key Canada Health Act compliance issues.
• Since its coming into force on October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act has created a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada.
• The legislation is designed to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the pockets of organized crime by fostering a robust legal and regulated industry.
• Access to children’s health services across the continuum of care remains an issue in Canada, including lengthy backlogs for essential services such as surgical, diagnostic, mental health, and children’s rehabilitation.
• The Standing Committee on Health released a report on May 6, 2024, entitled Fostering Healthy Childhoods: A Foundation for Resilient Generations. Among other recommendations, the report calls for a national pediatric health care workforce strategy, the establishment of a national child and youth commissioner, and a national pediatric health data strategy.
• The Government of Canada is working to build resiliency to the impacts of climate change on health and the health system.