Health

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss the PrescribeIT program. This program aims to allow doctors to send prescriptions to pharmacies electronically. Committee members are concerned about the rising costs of the program, which may be as high as $350 million. They feel like previous witnesses from Canada Health Infoway, Health Canada, and Telus Health did not provide enough information or gave conflicting answers. Dan Mazier, a Conservative member, proposed that the Auditor General of Canada conduct an audit of PrescribeIT. This audit would look at the program's costs, how it's run, its termination, transition, and intellectual property arrangements. Mazier also suggested inviting the Minister of Health, officials from Health Canada, and the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada to appear before the committee to answer questions about PrescribeIT. Helena Konanz and Burton Bailey, also Conservative members, echoed Mazier's concerns about the lack of information and the need to understand where the money for PrescribeIT is going. Bailey also mentioned a new proposed law in the Senate that would involve IT, and he wants to understand how PrescribeIT might be integrated into that. Maggie Chi, a Liberal member, moved to have the meeting go "in camera," meaning it would be closed to the public. After some discussion, the committee voted to proceed in camera, suspending the public meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss Canada's pharmaceutical sovereignty. The committee heard from several witnesses about the challenges and opportunities in ensuring a stable and secure supply of medicines for Canadians. Speakers discussed the need for domestic manufacturing of critical medications, regulatory agility, and better data sharing. They also highlighted the importance of including pharmacies in pharmaceutical policy discussions. Glenn Thibeault from Diabetes Canada emphasized the need for domestic insulin manufacturing, pointing out that Canada, despite discovering insulin, does not produce it domestically. He suggested leveraging Canada's new defence industrial strategy to support domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. Christine Donaldson from HealthPRO Canada stressed the importance of strategic domestic manufacturing for critical medications and updating public procurement to prioritize reliability and redundancy. She also called for regulatory agility and enhanced data sharing. Denis Leclerc from VaxSynergy discussed the organization's work in vaccine development and the need for sustained funding to support Canadian expertise and innovation. Stéphanie Michaud from BioCanRx challenged the committee to focus on creating novel therapies in Canada, not just securing the supply of existing ones. She highlighted the need for a permanent translational health research program to fund the work required to move Canadian discoveries to clinical trials. Angelique Berg from the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management emphasized the importance of considering the cost of physical access to medicines in policy decisions and focusing domestic manufacturing on a targeted list of critical medicines. Sandra Hanna from the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada stressed the importance of including pharmacies in pharmaceutical policy discussions and improving supply chain visibility. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to order the production of documents related to the PrescribeIT program, a federally funded e-prescription initiative. This led to a debate and ultimately a vote to resume discussion on the motion. The committee also discussed the need for a coordinated funding approach to support translational research and the importance of regulatory innovation to enable hospital-based manufacturing of therapies. The meeting was adjourned before all topics could be fully discussed.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss issues related to PrescribeIT, a national e-prescribing platform. The committee heard from Ratcho Batchvarov from Telus Health about the technical aspects and value of PrescribeIT. He highlighted Telus Health's role in building the platform and the investments made over nine years. Michael Green, President and CEO of Canada Health Infoway, discussed the program's history, its achievements in establishing a technical foundation for e-prescribing, and the decision to transition to a national e-prescribing standard. He noted that provinces and territories have differing needs, leading to the shift towards a more flexible, standards-based approach. Finally, Jocelyne Voisin, Elizabeth Toller, and David Jones from the Department of Health provided context on PrescribeIT within the broader digital health landscape and explained the federal government's role in supporting e-prescribing initiatives.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). The committee heard from Dr. Alexander Caudarella, the CEO of CCSA, and several board members, including Neil Arao, Scott Elliott, Susan Russell-Csanyi, and Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti. They talked about CCSA's role in providing evidence-based advice on substance use and addiction to the government and communities. They also discussed the importance of collaboration across different sectors and levels of government to address substance use issues. Dr. Caudarella highlighted CCSA's work in gathering data on substance use trends and providing guidance to communities. He emphasized the need for a connected system of care, where people can easily access treatment and support. Board members shared their experiences working with people affected by substance use and stressed the importance of compassion, accountability, and evidence-informed approaches. They also talked about the challenges of scaling up effective solutions and the need for coordinated responses across different sectors. Committee members asked questions about various topics, including safe consumption sites, decriminalization, and the effectiveness of current policies. Dr. Caudarella emphasized that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions and that communities need to be involved in decision-making. He also acknowledged the need for law enforcement to target organized crime. The committee discussed the importance of prevention and early intervention, as well as the need for more data sharing and collaboration across different levels of government. During the meeting, committee members discussed funding for CCSA and questioned whether it was sufficient to address the opioid crisis. Dr. Caudarella acknowledged that more funding would be helpful, but emphasized the importance of spending existing resources effectively. He also highlighted the need to involve more health care professionals in addressing substance use issues. The committee agreed to consider a motion to invite the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to appear before the committee to discuss their work. Ultimately, the committee agreed to invite additional speakers to future meetings to continue the discussion, and requested additional information from the CCSA on specific topics raised during the meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss a motion to get documents related to several health programs. Dan Mazier, a Conservative member, introduced a motion asking for documents about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the PrescribeIT program, agreements with Canadian Blood Services, and other health initiatives. He argued that the Liberal members were blocking transparency and hiding information from Canadians, especially regarding the $250-million PrescribeIT program. Liberal member Sonia Sidhu proposed an amendment to remove a section of the motion related to PrescribeIT, arguing that the request was too broad and could compromise commercial sensitivity and privacy. This led to a lot of debate about the order in which committee members had raised their hands to speak, and the meeting was temporarily suspended. Eventually, the committee voted to approve Ms. Sidhu's amendment, with a subamendment to hold a three-hour meeting with TELUS, Canada Health Infoway, and government officials to discuss PrescribeIT. Helena Konanz, a Conservative member, then introduced an amendment to remove the phrase "except with Quebec" from several sections of the motion, and to remove "and in both official languages." This amendment was also approved. Finally, Maggie Chi, a Liberal member, added an amendment to ensure that all documents would respect the Privacy Act, which was also approved. The committee then voted to approve the overall motion as amended. Lastly, Matt Strauss requested the final reports regarding the Grifols plasma collection centres in Winnipeg.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss Canada's pharmaceutical sovereignty, or how much Canada can rely on itself for the medicines it needs. The committee heard from several witnesses representing different parts of the healthcare system. Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, spoke about the importance of reliable access to medications for patients and the healthcare system. She recommended investing in domestic medication production and prioritizing Canadian-made medical products. Mary Hughes from Grifols Canada discussed their partnership with Canadian Blood Services to increase Canada's self-sufficiency in plasma medicines. She highlighted their investments in Canadian infrastructure and their commitment to Canadian patients. Arianne Trudeau, executive director of Médicament Québec, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to build a strong drug supply chain in Quebec and Canada. She recommended clear guidelines and objectives for pharmaceutical sovereignty and sustained government support for the life sciences sector. The committee questioned the witnesses on various aspects of pharmaceutical sovereignty, including drug shortages, domestic production, and the role of government in ensuring access to medications. Later in the meeting, Dr. Martyn Judson, an addictions specialist, raised concerns about the over-prescription of short-acting opioids and the potential harms of safe supply programs. Dr. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and a targeted approach to pharmaceutical sovereignty. Dr. Sadaf Faisal from the Canadian Pharmacists Association discussed the impact of drug shortages on pharmacists and patients and recommended strengthening domestic manufacturing, establishing a list of medications at high risk of shortage, and improving data collection and monitoring. The committee agreed to request the complete and unredacted agreements between Canadian Blood Services and Grifols announced on September 7, 2022, to be deposited with the clerk of the committee no later than April 10, 2026. The committee also passed a motion to allow associate members to receive notices of meetings and access to digital binders.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss several topics, including supplementary budget estimates, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and safe drug consumption sites. Minister of Health Marjorie Michel answered questions about funding for various health initiatives, such as the National Consensus Conference on Hemovigilance, naloxone distribution in Indigenous communities, and a measles prevention campaign. She also spoke about the government's focus on men's health and the toxic drug crisis, emphasizing the need for community-based solutions. Committee members questioned the Minister on a range of issues. There was a lot of discussion about the effectiveness and safety of supervised drug consumption sites, with some members citing a study suggesting that closing a consumption site did not increase deaths. The Minister defended the sites as life-saving measures, while others argued for a focus on addiction treatment and recovery. There were also questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, including concerns about laboratory fees and patient eligibility. The Minister and department officials committed to providing written responses to several questions. Later in the meeting, committee members debated a motion to compel the production of documents related to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, safe consumption sites, and other health programs. The debate became heated, with accusations of obstruction and filibustering. An amendment to the motion was proposed but ultimately withdrawn. The committee also discussed the closure of a Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratory in Longueuil, with officials assuring members that the closure would not affect food safety or scientific capacity. The meeting was adjourned before a final decision on the motion could be reached.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss Canada's pharmaceutical sovereignty. The committee heard from several witnesses representing pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. The discussion covered topics such as domestic drug manufacturing, supply chain security, regulatory processes, and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. Jeff Watson from Apotex emphasized the importance of domestic generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and urged the government to prioritize this sector in its "buy Canadian" policy. Michel Bouvier, a professor at the Université de Montréal, highlighted the need for local innovation and development of new therapies, emphasizing the IRIC-IRICoR model as an example of how innovation infrastructure can contribute to pharmaceutical sovereignty. Julian Somers, a clinical psychologist, raised concerns about addiction policies and potential conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Jim Keon from the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association stressed that cost-saving generic and biosimilar medicines are strategic assets and called for addressing barriers to market entry for these medicines. Terry Creighton from the Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Exporters Alliance advocated for strengthening domestic drug manufacturing and proposed a five-point action plan. Bettina Hamelin from Innovative Medicines Canada warned that Canada's access to new medicines is at risk and called for strategic action to strengthen pharmaceutical sovereignty. During the meeting, committee members questioned witnesses on various issues, including the role of pharmaceutical companies in the opioid crisis, the impact of government policies on domestic manufacturing, and the need for regulatory reforms. A motion was introduced to summon a representative from Grifols, a pharmaceutical company, to testify before the committee. The committee agreed to include the Grifols representative as part of a panel of witnesses for one hour.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss a proposed law to create a Living Donor Recognition Medal. This medal would honor Canadians who donate organs, blood, or bone marrow to save lives. Ziad Aboultaif, a Member of Parliament who donated part of his liver to his son, presented the proposed law. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about organ donation and thanked committee members for their support. Christopher McCreery, an expert on the Canadian honors system, also spoke, raising concerns about including post-nominal letters after the medal, arguing it doesn't fit within the existing honors system and could diminish recognition for military members. During the meeting, committee members discussed the details of the proposed law and considered amendments. They talked about who should be eligible for the medal, including blood donors, and how the medal should be awarded. Some members raised concerns about comparing blood donation to organ donation, as organ donation involves a greater physical risk. However, others argued that long-term blood donors also deserve recognition for their commitment to saving lives. The committee ultimately agreed to several amendments to the proposed law. These changes broadened eligibility for the medal to include blood and bone marrow donors, and clarified the process for awarding the medal. The committee decided that the Governor General could award the medal to non-Canadians if the donation occurred within the Canadian health system. They also removed a clause mandating public ceremonies for the medal presentation. After making these changes, the committee approved the proposed law as amended. The next step is for the proposed law to go back to the House of Commons for a third reading. If it passes there, it will then go to the Senate for consideration. The committee also approved a modified work plan for a study on Canada's pharmaceutical sovereignty. Overall, the meeting was productive, with committee members working together to improve the proposed law and move it forward in the legislative process. The goal is to create a meaningful way to recognize and encourage life-saving donations in Canada.

The Health Committee met to discuss the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary health coverage to certain foreign nationals. The committee reviewed a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) projecting the program's costs. Jason Jacques, Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, presented the report, highlighting that IFHP costs could reach $1.5 billion by 2030. Committee members questioned the PBO team about the program's rising costs, eligibility criteria, and potential for abuse. Dan Mazier (Conservative) raised concerns about the program's rapid growth and the inclusion of supplemental benefits for asylum seekers, even those with rejected claims or facing serious charges. Doug Eyolfson (Liberal) inquired about the impact of proposed co-payments and the potential long-term cost savings of providing early treatment. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Bloc Québécois) questioned the program's administrative capacity and the allocation of funding between provinces. Several committee members expressed interest in a more detailed analysis of the program, including the impact of proposed changes, a breakdown of supplemental benefits, and the financial sensitivity to processing times. A motion was introduced to request an updated report from the PBO with further in-depth analysis. After much debate and several amendments, the committee approved a motion requesting an updated report from the PBO and inviting the PBO, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and officials from both departments to testify before the committee. The committee also agreed to a budget for an upcoming meeting and discussed the order of future business. A motion was passed outlining the committee's upcoming work, including a study on pharmaceutical sovereignty and consideration of a proposed law.

The Health Committee met to discuss the $20 million loss of medical supplies from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS). Committee members wanted to know how the loss happened and what steps are being taken to prevent it from happening again. Representatives from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), including Nancy Hamzawi (President) and Stacey Mantha (Director General), answered questions about the incident. They explained that the loss was due to a system error in the quality management system and that they have since made changes to improve monitoring and security. Committee members questioned why no one was held accountable for the loss and whether Canada is prepared for another health emergency. PHAC representatives assured the committee that the stockpile has been restocked and that Canada is better prepared now than before the pandemic. They highlighted increased staffing, funding, and storage space for the NESS. They also mentioned ongoing collaboration with other countries and industries to improve best practices and learn from past incidents. Members also raised concerns about contracts with PPE suppliers potentially linked to forced labor and the government's rationale for continuing to do business with suppliers that failed to deliver during the pandemic. PHAC representatives committed to providing written responses to several questions, including details on PPE contracts, the country of origin of a foreign actor who attempted to access the warehouse, and the impact of defunding the Canadian Consortium for Clinical Trial Training. The committee also discussed the role of the NESS in responding to the 2025 forest fires and the importance of diversifying vaccine supply sources.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss health-related aspects of the 2025 budget and a proposed law to improve sharing of health information. The Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, presented the government's plans, including investments in health infrastructure, research, and biomanufacturing. She highlighted a proposed law aimed at creating a more connected health care system, allowing for better access to personal health information for Canadians and health professionals. Committee members questioned the minister on various topics, including supervised drug consumption sites, the Canadian dental care plan, and vaccine production. Officials from Health Canada and related agencies were present to provide additional information and support to the minister. During the meeting, Dan Mazier (Conservative) questioned the Minister about a supervised drug consumption site near a child care facility in Ottawa. He asked why the permit for the site was renewed despite safety concerns raised by law enforcement. The Minister defended the decision, stating that the approval process involves multiple factors and that Health Canada had worked with the site to implement stricter measures. Helena Jaczek (Liberal) inquired about the Canadian dental care plan, and the Minister reported that millions of Canadians have enrolled and received care, with a wide range of oral health professionals participating in the program. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Bloc Québécois) questioned the Minister about investments in health infrastructure and vaccine production, expressing concerns about the adequacy of funding and the lack of domestic vaccine production capacity. Later in the meeting, committee members questioned Health Canada officials on topics such as age requirements at supervised consumption sites, funding for harm reduction programs, and the progress of the vaccine injury support program. Kendal Weber, Assistant Deputy Minister, clarified that Health Canada does not set age limits for access to supervised consumption sites and that the sites are intended to provide support and prevent overdoses. Nancy Hamzawi, President of the Public Health Agency of Canada, provided updates on the vaccine injury support program, noting that thousands of claims have been submitted and that payments have been made to eligible claimants. The committee also discussed a proposed law to amend the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, with officials explaining that the changes are needed to address evolving biosecurity risks and strengthen oversight of the biomanufacturing sector. Paul Hébert, President of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, spoke about the potential of the connected care proposed law to improve health care delivery and support research and innovation. He emphasized the importance of data sharing and interoperability to enable better clinical trials, personalized treatment, and system planning. Kimby Barton, Director General of the Centre for Biosecurity, discussed the motivation behind the amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, citing factors such as increased investment in biomanufacturing and an evolving threat landscape. The committee agreed to extend the deadline for public submissions on antimicrobial resistance to March 15, 2026.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strategies to combat it. Witnesses from academia, agriculture, and veterinary medicine shared their perspectives. They emphasized the need for a "one health" approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Key discussion points included improving surveillance of AMR, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and addressing regulatory barriers to accessing veterinary medicines and alternative therapies. Speakers highlighted the importance of research and innovation, as well as the need for greater coordination and investment in AMR initiatives. Dr. Dao Nguyen from McGill University emphasized the urgency of the AMR crisis and the need for new solutions, including faster diagnostic tests and comprehensive surveillance systems. She also called for greater strategic funding for AMR research. Dr. Joseph Rubin from the University of Saskatchewan spoke about the fragmented knowledge of AMR in animals and the need for more data to support antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal practice. Dr. Scott Weese from the University of Guelph stressed the complexity of the issue and the need to consider animal and human health as separate but linked entities. Representatives from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Pork Council discussed the efforts of farmers and veterinarians to promote responsible antimicrobial use and prevent infections. They also raised concerns about regulatory barriers to accessing veterinary health care tools. Dr. Tracy Fisher from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association highlighted the importance of veterinary expertise in antimicrobial policy and drug regulatory development. She also expressed concern about proposed changes to the categorization of antimicrobials that could reduce access to important veterinary medicines. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of AMR, including the role of regulatory flexibility, the impact of antimicrobial use in animals on human health, and the effectiveness of different strategies for combating AMR. There was discussion about the need for better coordination and communication between different levels of government and sectors. The committee also explored potential solutions, such as improving access to vaccines and alternative therapies, and investing in research and surveillance. Several witnesses suggested that Canada needs an "antimicrobial resistance czar" to coordinate efforts and resources across sectors and jurisdictions. The committee agreed to table a white paper from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture that outlines barriers and solutions to improve access to veterinary health care tools. The committee will use the information gathered during the meeting to inform its report on antimicrobial resistance.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which happens when medicines stop working against infections. Experts shared their knowledge about the problem and what Canada can do. The committee heard from doctors, researchers, and a patient advocate. Dr. Isaac Bogoch talked about how most antibiotics worldwide are used in farm animals, not people. He said Canada needs to work with other countries to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture. Dr. Victor Leung said Canada is behind other countries in getting new antibiotics to people who need them. He also mentioned that the systems for tracking infections are not working well together. Dr. Karl Weiss said antibiotics are important for modern health care, but they are being overused. He also said Canada depends on other countries to make antibiotics. Dr. Gerry Wright talked about how Canada is losing researchers to other countries because there isn't enough funding for AMR research here. He suggested creating a program to help companies turn research into new medicines. Dr. Makeda Semret talked about how to use the antibiotics we have wisely. She said hospitals need to measure how well they are doing at preventing infections. Kim Neudorf, a patient advocate, shared a story about someone who died from an antibiotic-resistant infection. She asked the government to give money to patient groups and to teach people about AMR. The committee agreed to invite Governor-in-Council appointees serving in the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse to a meeting before February 26, 2026.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss spending estimates for various health-related agencies. Representatives from Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) presented their proposed budgets and answered questions from committee members. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Health Canada's funding of harm reduction programs, including the provision of drug paraphernalia like pipes, with some committee members questioning the effectiveness and appropriateness of such spending. There was also discussion regarding a $20 million loss of supplies from the national emergency stockpile, leading to a motion to have PHAC testify further on the matter in both public and private sessions. Greg Orencsak, Deputy Minister of Health, outlined Health Canada's proposed spending, including funds for the Canadian dental care plan and drug toxicity indicator harmonization. Nancy Hamzawi, President of PHAC, detailed the agency's request for funding, including money for pandemic vaccine preparedness. Robert Ianiro from the CFIA discussed investments in trade diversification and regulatory modernization. Jeff Moore, from CIHR, highlighted funding for health research, including projects related to school food programs and indigenous youth services. Kendal Weber, Assistant Deputy Minister at Health Canada, faced intense questioning regarding the department's funding of harm reduction supplies, particularly crack pipes and foil kits. She defended the funding as a response to the toxic drug crisis, while some committee members expressed concern about the use of taxpayer money for such purposes. Dr. Natasha Crowcroft, from PHAC, spoke about the public health benefits of harm reduction, including reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Committee members raised concerns about budget cuts at Health Canada and the National Microbiology Laboratory, as well as the quality of imported personal protective equipment. The committee also discussed the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and the need for a coordinated approach to address this issue. Dr. Charu Kaushic, from CIHR, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge mobilization in AMR research. The committee agreed to invite the Minister of Health and department officials to testify before February 6, 2026. Additionally, following discussion of a $20 million loss of supplies from the national emergency stockpile, the committee passed a motion to invite the Public Health Agency of Canada to testify on the matter, with one hour of the testimony to be public and one hour to be held in camera by February 10, 2026.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Witnesses shared their expertise on the challenges and potential solutions to AMR in Canada. Dr. Judith Fafard highlighted the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance and the need for better data sharing between provinces and territories. She suggested exploring barriers that hinder surveillance programs and encouraging research on the economic and health impacts of resistant pathogens. Dr. Sameeh Salama emphasized that innovation is key to addressing AMR and called for the implementation and funding of the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. He also pointed out Canada's lack of domestic antibiotic manufacturing, posing a national security risk. Jennifer Buckley stressed that AMR is a present crisis, not a future threat, and that Canada needs a reliable system to bring innovative antibiotics to patients. She noted that regulatory and reimbursement processes in Canada are slow, delaying access to new antibiotics. The committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of AMR, including regional differences, over-prescription of antibiotics, and the role of surveillance. They also discussed potential solutions, such as improving laboratory capacity, harmonizing diagnostic methods, and increasing funding for research and healthcare. The witnesses emphasized the need for collaboration between industry, government, and academic researchers to address AMR effectively. The committee also discussed the challenges of getting witnesses the right equipment for virtual meetings and the importance of having the Minister of Health attend future meetings to discuss supplementary estimates. Ultimately, the committee agreed to continue its study of antimicrobial resistance and to invite Dr. Karl Weiss to a future meeting. The clerk was instructed to send another letter to the Minister of Health and the department, suggesting that the department could come to discuss estimates if the minister cannot make it. The committee also acknowledged the importance of addressing the regulatory and reimbursement processes to improve access to new antibiotics for Canadians.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health met to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The committee heard from several experts who spoke about different aspects of the issue. Scot Magnish from ATMIS talked about problems with the quality and sourcing of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly isolation gowns, and how this impacts infection control. He raised concerns about expired gowns in the national stockpile and reliance on imports from China, some of which may be made with forced labor. Dr. Rita Dhami from the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy emphasized the need for stronger national surveillance of resistant organisms, sustainable antimicrobial stewardship programs, and improved access to antimicrobial therapies. Dr. Kevin Stinson from Infection Prevention and Control Canada highlighted inconsistencies in infection prevention and control programs across the country and the need for better surveillance data. Dr. Sameer Elsayed from Western University discussed the global threat of AMR, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, and the need for expedited regulatory approval for new antimicrobials. Dr. Terry Wuerz from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority spoke about the importance of antibiotics in modern medicine and the increasing rates of resistant infections. He stressed the need for funding and standardization of antimicrobial stewardship programs and rapid access to new antimicrobials. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including the management of the national strategic stockpile, the role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship, and the use of antibiotics in agriculture. The committee agreed to invite the Minister of Health to testify on supplementary estimates at a future meeting. They also requested the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Department of National Defence, and the Department of Public Services and Procurement to answer questions about the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile and PPE procurement within two weeks.