House of Commons -- May 2, 2008
Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Liberal):
Mr. Speaker, the international scientific community today cited the Conservative government for a serious breach of international scientific standards and political interference in Vancouver's safe injection site's research, calling it a political horror story.
Australia's Dr. Wardax said, it ignored science, due process and public opinion and risked harm to the country's international standing.
Ideology over evidence harms people and the government does not care. How can the Minister of Health defend his irresponsible actions?
Mr. Steven Fletcher (Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Conservative):
Mr. Speaker, the allegation is obviously false. I would like to draw to the member's attention a statement made by the chair of the independent expert advisory panel. It says that the version of the report concerning the estimated number of HIV cases that may have been prevented was in error from the earlier draft and was deleted and amended at the request of the chair of the AEC, after consultation with the other committee members. I wish the member would get the facts straight.
Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Liberal):
Mr. Speaker, the minister ignored 22 reports proving the effectiveness of Insite. He refused to commit support. He is running out of excuses for leaving Canada's harm reduction programs in the lurch.
This is a severe indictment on Canada's international reputation and blatant disregard for the health and safety of its citizens.
When will the minister finally acknowledge the scientific evidence on Insite, remove his research moratorium so other communities can benefit from the proven strategy?
Mr. Steven Fletcher (Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Conservative):
Mr. Speaker, in fact the minister did extend the exemption for the Insite program until June 30 in order to gather more scientific information.
It would be really helpful if the opposition party would support our programs on helping victims and also stop the drug pushers and other people who prey on the most vulnerable. It should help support government policies rather than just fearmonger and do nothing.
