Marcus Powlowski
- Born
- January 20, 1960 — Kaministiquia, Ontario
- Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1982; Doctor of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1986; Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Toronto, 1997; Master's degree in Public Health, Harvard University, 2004; Master of Laws (LLM), Georgetown University, 2008
- Career
- Practiced medicine for seven years in Swaziland, The Gambia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu; Practiced medicine for two years in Norway House Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba; Emergency Room physician at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Health legislation consultant for the World Health Organization; Taught Global Health and Global Health Law at Lakehead University and the University of San Francisco.
- Political Experience
- Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Thunder Bay—Rainy River since 2019
- Notable
- Son of Peter and Liz Powlowski, owners of the Strawberry Hill pottery workshop in Thunder Bay. Of Ukrainian ancestry. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Ukraine to Thunder Bay, where Powlowski's grandmother ran Annie’s Confectionary on East Brock Street in Fort William for over 60 years.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Marcus Powlowski worked as an emergency room physician in Thunder Bay. He also reportedly worked as a doctor for international organizations, including the World Health Organization in various countries. Powlowski holds degrees in both medicine and law, as well as a master's degree in public health from Harvard University.
Public Controversies
In May 2021, Powlowski faced criticism for comments he made during a House of Commons committee meeting that was studying sexual misconduct in the Canadian military. While questioning a witness who was a survivor of military sexual assault, he reportedly asked if her experience was as bad as that of another survivor, which drew condemnation from opposition MPs and others. Powlowski later issued a public apology, stating that his comments were insensitive and that he regretted them.
Where Marcus falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Marcus Powlowski won with 21,125 votes (48.5%)
Total votes cast: 43,531
How does Marcus Powlowski's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, that is a difficult question. There is, as I recall, a provision that would allow the minister to restrict the use of a drug to protect the public interest. We certainly have to ensure, and I think this is most important, that there is no diversion of those drugs. There are examples, and I would suggest one would be IV methadone, which perhaps should be on the pre-approved drug list
Mr. Speaker, it is mostly the pharmacists who have to spend the hours and hours going through the process. The pre-approved drug list should greatly simplify the process to access drugs. I will say that families across Canada are frustrated with this program.
C‑265, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (List of Therapeutic Products Pre-approved for Special Access) moved that Bill, be read the second time and referred to a committee. He said: Mr. Speaker, Canadian physicians are, at times, even in life-threatening situations, prevented from using the drugs they believe they should be using. My private member's bill looks to change this by making
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for this great question. People who work at Sainte‑Justine Hospital in Montreal helped me a lot with this bill. It is challenging to identify jurisdiction when it comes to health. The two levels of government each have a role to play in this field. The provinces are responsible for regulating medical professions, while the Government of Canada has responsibility
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for asking me another question in French. It is a good question, but I find it difficult to answer it in French. It might be better if I answered it in English. This is something that I struggled with. We do not want companies to have their drugs go on the pre-approved drug list rather than seeking approval for them. There are provisions that