Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Monday I questioned the Minister of Health and Social Services as to whether or not we have, as a government, contravened the conditions placed upon us by the Canada Health Act in the way we deliver health programs and services. The Minister replied that she felt that the department had lived up to the obligations under the Canada Health Act.

Mr. Speaker, the Canada Health Act requires the provinces and territories to fulfill certain criteria in order to qualify for full cash contributions. The criteria is in the areas of public administration, comprehensiveness, universality and portability and accessible programs.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday the Minister stated:

"Significant downsizing in the department over the past years by previous governments has eroded our capacity to monitor and enforce standards, and provide administrative and clinical leadership to oversight".

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we realize that we have in some ways by that statement, violated the Canada Health Act.

Mr. Speaker, time and time again, I have brought to the attention of this House certain concerns related to my constituents who have had problems accessing health care services until it was too late. There again, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is in contravention of the Canada Health Act with regard to the accessibility of programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, there have been numerous attempts to restructure and reorganize our health care system, but we must never lose sight of the fact that there are certain rules that we may follow. We have health boards who do not have a system in place for accountability, or ensuring public input to ensure that the boards have a process to evaluate the conditions of the programs they deliver, and I for one, Mr. Speaker, feel that the department has to seriously look at the federal obligations that we have under the Canada Health Act.

Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister questions on this matter today. Thank you.