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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• On August 4th, 2021, the Federal Government announced that it would begin consulting on specific provisions of the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) to consider ways to balance how pesticide review processes are initiated in Canada and increase transparency. In addition, the Federal Government announced a $50 million investment in Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)'s pest management research, to be supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
• This includes $42 million over three years to be invested in the PMRA to further strengthen its oversight and protection of human health and the environment. A further $7 million will be invested to AAFC, and $1 million to ECCC in supporting work, to accelerate the research, development and adoption of alternative pest management solutions.
• This investment supports Health Canada’s commitment set forth in the Prime Minister’s Mandate letter: To ensure Canadians are protected from risks associated with the use of pesticides and to better protect human health, wildlife and the environment, modernize and strengthen the Pest Control Products Act to ensure it supports transparency, use of independent scientific evidence and input to the decision-making process.
• Drug shortages are a global issue that directly affect the health and safety of Canadians. Canada is particularly vulnerable to shortages because of our small market share and heavy reliance on imports.
• On November 30, 2020, a rule came into effect in the U.S. allowing state-sponsored programs to import drugs intended for the Canadian market in bulk as a means to reduce the price of drugs for American consumers.
• The Canadian market is too small to supply the U.S. and Canadian markets. The rule has the potential to create supply disruptions.
• COVID-19 created an increased demand for drugs used in supporting patients with the disease, against the backdrop of multiple global supply chain challenges. Drug shortages, particularly in the context of COVID-19 critical drugs, could put the health of Canadians at risk.
• Working with provinces, territories and other partners, Health Canada established a COVID-19 Critical Drug Reserve to support patients with COVID-19.
• Drug shortages pose a risk to the health of Canadians. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain that impacted supplies of drugs required to treat patients with COVID-19 and other health conditions.
• The need for vigilance in maintaining the national drug supply continues. Health Canada is continuing its surveillance activities and engagement with provinces and territories, and key supply chain players to mitigate impacts and move towards prevention of drug shortages where possible.
• In New Brunswick (NB), Regulation 84-20 of the NB Medical Services Payment Act limits coverage of surgical abortion services to approved hospitals (three NB hospitals currently offer the service – two in Moncton and one in Bathurst). This means that individuals who receive these services at Clinic 554 in Fredericton are required to pay out-of-pocket. Patient charges for abortion services received in private clinics are considered user charges under the Canada Health Act. This regulation also poses concerns under the comprehensiveness and accessibility criteria of the Canada Health Act. Evidence indicates that some abortion clinics in Ontario (ON) are also charging patients to access insured services.
• Overview of federal action on key Canada Health Act compliance issues.
• Budget 2022 provides funding to Health Canada to provide dental care for some Canadians.
• What the government is doing to protect healthcare workers against harassment, particularly in light of the pandemic?
• Home care services help people receive needed care at home, rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility, and to live as independently as possible in the community. Home care usually includes professional services at no cost to the client (e.g., physiotherapy, nursing, and occupational therapy) and home support/personal care (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, and toileting), which is income-tested in most PTs.
• There is evidence that COVID-19 had a negative impact on access to home care services during the pandemic, including both professional services and home support/personal care. This situation increased social isolation of seniors and led to a higher burden for family caregivers.
• Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been working collaboratively with provinces and territories to protect vulnerable Canadians in long-term care. The federal government has responded in a number of ways, including through key investments made to support residents and staff.