Federal Election 2019 Campaign

New Democratic Party
Green Party
Liberal Party
Progressive Conservative Party 
People's Party of Canada
Bloc Quebecois

Please note that the following MP's responded to CCSN's questions with the NDP's official response that is provided further below.

- Kevin Hua (Carleton)

- Nicholas Dion (Oakville North-Burlington)

- Geoff Krauter (Perth-Wellington)

- Mallory Macdonald (Northumberland-Peterborough South)

- Angella MacEwen (Ottawa West-Nepean)

- Zaff Ansari (Nepean)

- Jessika Hepburn (South Shore-St. Margaret's)

- Samir Girguis (Mississauga-Streetsville)

- Emilio Bernardo Ciddio (King-Vaughan)

- Melissa Jean Baptiste Vajda (University-Rosedale)

Question 1 response:

The Employment Insurance Program in Canada offers temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers. This assistance includes providing sickness benefits to employees unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine and who would otherwise be available to work, with sickness benefits up to a maximum of 15 weeks. More than 350,000 Canadian workers claim sick leave through the EI program every year (2). However, most cancer patients spend more than 15 weeks receiving or recovering from cancer treatment. The estimated cost of raising the number of weeks from 15 to 50 would only raise the EI premium by a total of 6-cents from the baseline rate of $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings (3).

If elected, will your government:

A. Recognize that there is a need for a new process that recognizes that some patients, including cancer patients, experience extended periods of treatment and recovery, and hold open consultations with Canadians about how this process will be developed and implemented?

New Democrats have long advocated to make it easier for people to access the sickness benefits they paid for and deserve. No one should have to worry about whether they need to rush to go back to work if they’re still recovering from a serious illness.

A New Democrat government will update the Employment Insurance system when it comes to sickness benefits. And we will ensure that patient advocates are able to share their feedback and have their concerns respected and included in a fairer program.

B. Use the results of these consultations to lengthen sickness benefits for Canadians undergoing treatment for cancer as well as other serious illnesses that require long periods of treatment or recovery so that Canadians who are ill are not penalized by the current limit of 15 weeks of sickness benefits?

Canada’s Employment Insurance system needs to change to reflect the needs of Canadians today.

New Democrats have always been in it for you. That’s why we’ve committed to extending sickness benefits to 50 weeks. We know that people need flexibility to recover from complex, chronic conditions and New Democrats believe that people shouldn’t be punished for being sick.

And we will work with provinces and territories to improve health care through major new investments – more than $50 billion over four years – towards pharmacare, dental care, home care, long-term care, reducing wait times and other health-care priorities.

C. Cancel the two-week waiting period for EI Sickness Benefits so that sick Canadians are not penalized?

In 2012, the NDP introduced a Private Member’s Bill to cancel the two-week wait period for Canadians who have serious illnesses and immediately need the support. It was defeated.

As government, we will follow through and modernize the Employment Insurance sickness benefits program.

Question 2 response:

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network believes that all people residing in Canada must have timely, consistent, equal and equitable access to safe and effective therapies, including treatments and medications, as well as the information, diagnostics, care and support that they need (4). The Pharmacare Council’s Final Report (5) called for a universal, public Pharmacare program that is portable, accessible regardless of ability to pay and residency, and the importance of working together with patients and citizens as key stakeholders.

A. What is your party’s position on the creation of and timeline for a universal public pharmacare program with a national formulary that would be developed by an independent group of experts that would assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of medication?

Many Canadians must dig deep into their pockets to pay for prescription medication. Many now cannot afford to take the medication they need – or find their needed medicines aren’t available.

New Democrats are different. We believe it’s time Canadians had a federal government that’s in it for them. Jagmeet Singh has a bold vision to provide Canadians with head-to-toe health coverage. And the NDP is willing to make the historic investments – over fifty billion dollars over the next four years – to make universal pharmacare, expanded dental care coverage, increased mental health care, better home care and long-term care, and reduced wait times for the services you need.

Our pharmacare plan ensures that all Canadians will have access to prescribed medication, at no cost. The NDP believes that it’s time to take political interference out of health-care decisions through an arm’s length body that would be insulated from both marketing and political pressures. Decisions should be based on clinical evidence, patient safety, and value for money, not the number of times insurance lobbyists meet with government officials.

The arm’s length agency would be responsible for ensuring a timely process to evaluate and approve public coverage for new medicines.

B. Will your party support a new federal equalization payment for national pharmacare so that all provinces are able to cover the same comprehensive range of prescription drugs, with timely new additions on a regular basis?

An NDP government is offering an annual investment of more than $10 billion a year to take pressure off provincial health-care budgets and implement a national, universal pharmacare program for all.

We will work with provinces and territories together to achieve the same objective: to ensure that Canadians receive the medication they need, when they need it, regardless of where they live in Canada – with no out of pocket costs to everyday people.

A New Democrat government will ensure a national formulary is in place so all Canadians have access to the medication they need.

Question 3 response:

A new study published in the British Medical Journal by Canadian researcher Dr. David Hammond has reported a sharp increase in the rate of youth vaping by 74% in one year following the May 2018 adoption of Bill S-5 which legalized e-cigarettes with nicotine. The study also found that cigarette smoking among 16-19 year-olds in the same 2017 to 2018 time period increased by 45%, from 10.7% to 15.5%. This alarming increase of youth smoking has not been seen in decades of data collection.

Public consultations by Health Canada proposed regulations that would set out new and updated requirements for the labelling and containers of vaping products. The proposed Vaping Products Labelling and Packaging Regulations would require that all vaping substances be labelled with a list of ingredients. In addition, vaping products containing nicotine would be required to display a standardized nicotine concentration statement and a health warning about the addictiveness of nicotine. The proposed regulations would also mandate child-resistant containers and a toxicity warning. (Question contributed by the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition.)

If elected, will your government:

A. Take immediate actions to address a significant and troubling increase in youth vaping and smoking in Canada?

A New Democrat government would immediately issue an interim federal order to stop advertising of vaping products to children under 18. This would align with the call to action made recently by several health-care organizations that are demanding that the federal government takes action.

We stand with public health officials from the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Cancer Society, and other concerned groups in strengthening vaping regulations in Canada, with an emphasis on protecting the health of young people.

B. Use the results of the recent public consultations on new vaping regulations to strengthen controls over packaging, promotions and nicotine content?

The NDP push to commit to plain packaging and a regulatory framework for vaping products. We will implement urgent restrictions to stop marketing of vaping to children.

The NDP would immediately review regulations that ensure patient safety is a top priority. We will review and strengthen regulations, such as limiting the level of nicotine in vaping products, which is currently triple the amount allowed in the European Union and other jurisdictions.

C. Move to accelerate the process of banning all flavoured vaping products in an attempt to lessen their appeal to a youth market?

After years of inaction, Canada is sadly years behind other countries when it comes to vaping regulations and protecting public health, especially for young people. We will immediately work with public-health officials to develop measures that would keep children safe and lessen the appeal of vaping products for children and youth, including plain packaging and lowering of nicotine levels.

Question 4 response:

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care’s guidelines on breast cancer screening have a direct impact on up to 9 million Canadian women aged 40-74 (6). These guidelines disregard expert input and place the lives of women in Canada at risk. They ignore the importance of screening women in their 40s (7) (8), the relative benefits of additional screening (9), the significant benefits of early cancer detection (10), the findings of modern relevant data (11) (12), and the risks of breast density (13) (14) (15). Over 130 breast cancer experts have strongly criticized the guidelines, and over 67,000 people have signed a petition urging the Health Minister to reject them (16). (Question contributed by Dense Breasts Canada)

If elected to government, will your government:

A. Ensure that the Task Force’s guidelines are revised by relevant experts in the field?

Experts and advocates projected that the guidelines would result in more than 400 Canadian women losing their lives if followed because screening would be too late.

The NDP stands with cancer experts and advocates on the need to revise these guidelines. We called on the guidelines to be put on hold until a new direction could be developed through the guidance of experts. As government, we will move forward with new guidelines developed with key stakeholders, in particular breast-cancer experts and patient advocates.

B. Disband the Task Force if its design flaws and lack of accountability can’t be remedied under the current structure?

New Democrats respect the work and guidance of health-care professionals. A New Democrat government would revise the Task Force so that it is led by breast-cancer experts. We believe we can develop better guidelines to improve education and ensure women are screened properly and in time.

C. Reject the 2018 guidelines and, if needed, create a new Task Force which accurately incorporates relevant expert opinion?

New Democrats do not support the 2018 guidelines because they put women at risk. The NDP stands with cancer experts and advocates on the need to revise these guidelines. We would work with breast-cancer experts and advocates to develop new guidelines that take into consideration the issues that were dismissed, for example the additional risk of breast cancer for women with dense breast tissue.

We thank you for your attention to these important matters.

Yours sincerely,

Jackie Manthorne
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
In partnership with the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition, the Manitoba Health Coalition, and Dense Breasts Canada

Thank you for emailing these important questions. As a cancer survivor, I certainly got a first-hand view of how our health care system works. I am grateful for the incredible care that I received at the University of Alberta Hospital, but I also recognize the holes and flaws in our system. Moreover, I recognize the threats to our health care posed by movements that seek to undermine the universality of care while creating for-profit avenues for big business.

Under Tommy Douglas’ historic leadership New Democrats boldly transformed the health care system by guaranteeing that Canadians who needed to see their doctor or go to a hospital would not be faced by bills they couldn’t pay.

But, we see too many Canadians, especially our aging population, struggling to get care when they need it. What’s more, they’re burdened by skyrocketing drug costs and expensive medical treatments – often choosing between medicine and groceries. New Democrats know this is unacceptable in a country as rich as Canada. We’re ready to fix the holes in our health care system created by funding cuts and scattered efforts.

We’re committed to honouring Tommy’s legacy, making sure we have a universal health care system that all Canadians can rely upon.

Our Plan – Health Care from Head-to-Toe

New Democrats believe that over the next decade, Canadians will need a significant expansion of the services covered under our national health care system. That’s why we’re moving forward with a bold and complete health care plan to make sure everyone is covered from head-to-toe.

We’ll start with a national pharmacare plan to cover prescription drugs for all – saving Canadian families more than $500 each year through bulk purchasing. No longer will profits for big pharma and insurance companies be put ahead of the public’s health needs of Canadians and their families.

We’ll make life better for seniors by expanding access to home care and long-term care for seniors, invest in a national dementia strategy, and ensure that the Caregiver Tax Credit is refundable.  And, we’ll make the investment needed to make Canada more accessible, inclusive, and barrier-free for everyone .

Our plan also calls for re-investing, over the long-term, in a health system that will extend coverage for mental health, dental care, eye care, and more – giving Canadians the care they need to live healthy, full lives.

You can count on an NDP-led government to put your interests first, to support a health care system that’s affordable and can deliver the care you need. We’re committed to building a future where we take better care of one another, invest in the services seniors need, and create a more just society for everyone.

I realize that I have not addressed all of your questions but I look forward to working on these issues with you in the future.

Respectfully yours,
Heather

Thank you Ms. Manthorne for your inquiry and invitation to participate in your forum.

As the husband of a partner who has survived breast cancer and the many friends and colleagues I know that have also been treated for breast cancer, I’m familiar with the needs and obstacles faced by cancer patients. I support your goals in improving the state of health care in Canada. I can not, at this time, complete your questionnaire due to time constraints during the campaign. I must refer you to the NDP.ca for our complete platform. Please be aware that I endorse your campaign and hope to see those improvements come about with a NDP government.

Hi Jackie

Thank you for your email. Canada’s NDP shares your priorities around healthcare. Please take a look at our healthcare commitments here: https://www.ndp.ca/better-care

Sorry for the late reply but our platform succinctly endorses and commits to exactly the actions you list below specifically on questions #1 and #2.

As for question #3 I fully agree and endorse your statements in light of the recent issues in the US. Vaping is but another insidious form of addiction by those industries targeting children. As a father of three young children I would commit to addressing and supporting those actions in my party and in parliament.

#4 sounds reasonable to me if the process and mandates are flawed yet without knowing the full details I can’t commit to fully endorsing those statements. However I would commit to meeting with all stakeholders to fully educate myself on the current screening methodology and if current practices are indeed inferior would work with all parties to ensure solutions were found and implemented. In the end it’s about lives.

Thank you for reaching out to me and if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Have a wonderful evening.

Best Regards,
Michael Nenn
NDP Candidate Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon
Canada’s New Democrats / La NDP du Canada

You raise some terrific questions on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Survivors’ Network. I’ll do my best to answer all of them.

Pharmacare: The NDP plan for Pharmacare is the only one that the Parliamentary Budget Office has validated as actually adding up. Implementation would begin as early as late 2020 if the NDP forms government. Transfer payments to provinces should always be balanced to ensure that the benefits one receives does not vary with where you live, but the specific formulary of medications to be covered will have to remain a provincial rather than federal decision, under the Constitution. We would certainly work to promote cooperation among provinces to ensure portability and continued coverage of specific medicines, and having federal level negotiations with drug companies should ensure similarly affordable medications across the country.

Vaping: The NDP believes that health questions should always be answered with the best available evidence, rather than political agreements with potential conflicts of interest. Personally, I agree with you that it is frightening to see our youth inhaling unknown substances, and (as with any product) I would endorse accurate labeling of all ingredients and concentrations so that people know what they are taking. Protecting children from being targeted in marketing is also important, especially when their health may be at risk.

Breast cancer screening: as above, we strongly endorse basing policy on the best available evidence. Those of us lacking detailed information need the input of genuine experts to keep our guidelines on the right track. I would defer to the best information that experts can provide.

Employment Insurance: This is the question about which I have the least information at the moment. I am very sympathetic to the concern that you raise, though – sometimes the journey from symptoms through diagnosis and treatment and then to full recovery takes a lot longer than current programs support. I would happily bring these concerns to the relevant committees in Ottawa on your behalf, to ensure that people dealing with illness are not left financially struggling as well.

Thank you again for bringing such detailed and important questions to us on behalf of people living with cancer. I hope to be able to work toward solutions for these and other concerns in Ottawa soon.

With best wishes,
Bob

Bob Chamberlin for Nanaimo-Ladysmith
Canada’s NDP

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate you taking the time to forward me your comments . You will have received the NDP party response from other candidates; I wanted to add my own thoughts.

This is an important issue in our country and I am pleased to learn more and to be made aware of specific thoughts. I am also pleased to note that the NDP is firmly committed to pharma care and enhancing/protecting our medicare system to ensure access to all of need supports.

Should I be elected, it will be my pleasure to work closely with you to advance areas of mutual interest.

Again, thank you for your comments and for caring about your fellow citizens.

Regards
Erika

I recently had a loved one pass away from esophageal cancer. Satinka and I have discussed this and respond in the following way:

Question 1 responses:

A. Recognize that there is a need for a new process that recognizes that some patients, including cancer patients, experience extended periods of treatment and recovery, and hold open consultations with Canadians about how this process will be developed and implemented?

B. Use the results of these consultations to lengthen sickness benefits for Canadians undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as other serious illnesses that require long periods of treatment or recovery, so that Canadians who are ill are not penalized by the current limit of 15 weeks of sickness benefits?

C. Cancel the two-week waiting period for EI Sickness Benefits so that sick Canadians are not penalized

Yes to all of the above.

Question 2 and 3 responses:

2. The NDP will implement a national program that will cover the cost of prescription drug coverage and dental care to all Canadians . 3. A. Take immediate actions to address a significant and troubling increase in youth vaping and smoking in Canada? B. Use the results of the recent public consultations on new vaping regulations to strengthen controls over packaging, promotions and nicotine content? C. Move to accelerate the process of banning all flavoured vaping products in an attempt to lessen their appeal to a youth mark

Yes to all of the above.

Question 4 responses:

A. Ensure that the Task Force’s guidelines are revised by relevant experts in the field?

B. Disband the Task Force if its design flaws and lack of accountability can’t be remedied under the current structure?

C. Reject the 2018 guidelines and, if needed, create a new Task Force which accurately incorporates relevant expert opinion?

Yes to all of the above.

Thank you for these questions.

Kindest Regards,

John Fenik
Campaign Manager for Satinka Schilling

My wife is a survivor of breast cancer , I would answer yes to each of your recommendations on questions 1 through 4. I apologize for getting back to you so late.

Sincerely,
Bruce Griffin
NDP Candidate for Don Valley North

Hi Jackie,

Please accept my apology for taking so long to respond. I just received your email today since it wasn’t sent directly to me.

Question 1 response:

1. A. Yes
B. Yes
C. Yes. Getting rid of the 2 week waiting period for EI is already part of what we will do.

Question 2 response:

2. A. We would immediately begin the process of implementing our universal pharmacare program, which we have been advocating throughout the campaign, which will be in place by 2020.
B. Yes

Question 3 response:

3. A. Yes
B. Yes
C. I don’t believe that banning flavoured vape products will lessen their appeal to a youth market. This depends on the findings of Health Canada and I would go by that.

Question 4 response:

4. A. Yes
B. Yes
C. Yes

Thank you for your questions!

Sincerely,

Ilona Matthews
NDP Candidate

Apologize for the tardy response as it’s been a crazy campaign. Thank you for your very important message. I agree with the issues your have brought forward to me. I have lost a loved one to Cancer and I financially support research, treatments and seeing the end of cancer. If you are sick you should not be penalized by lack of EI benefits. This must be reviewed  if this is the current process. People should not have more issues like this to deal with especially when they are ill and under medical treatment.

The NDP has announced a comprehensive national pharmacare program that will cover your prescriptions, eye, hearing, dental and mental health care. It is the best by far out of all that I have seen. Every Canadian should have equal access to this type of care regardless of what province you live in.

In terms of the youth vaping, our government and Health Canada needs to step up and lead in this issue. We need to put in place restrictions and educate our young people so that they make better choices. Parents need to step up and also take a lead in the home on this.

In terms of breast cancer screening I agree the task force should be using the advice of experts as part of the screening process. We cannot have processes that do not incorporate the information form experts in the field when it comes to medical care. If we do, we jeopardize the very people we are support to be helping.

Thank you for your message. I am committed if elected as the Member of Parliament in Cloverdale Langley City to bring positive changes for people.

Best regards

Rae

Rae Banwarie
NDP Candidate
Cloverdale-Langley City
www.raebanwarie.ca
www.ceintellectualsolutions.ca

Dear Jackie, Thank you for writing, for providing us with the opportunity to speak to your network and share the
Green Party of Canada's platform, and for your advocacy. Please find our response below.
Best regards,
Kat Lorimer
Policy Researcher
Green Party of Canada

Question 1: Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

If elected, will your government:

A. Recognize that there is a need for a new process that recognizes that some patients, including cancer patients, experience extended periods of treatment and recovery, and hold open consultations with Canadians about how this process will
be developed and implemented? Yes.

B. Use the results of these consultations to lengthen sickness benefits for Canadians undergoing treatment for cancer as well as other serious illnesses that require long periods of treatment or recovery so that Canadians who are ill are not
penalized by the current limit of 15 weeks of sickness benefits? Yes.

C. Cancel the two-week waiting period for El Sickness Benefits so that sick Canadians are not penalized? Yes.

Question 2: National Pharmacare Program

A. What is your party's position on the creation of and timeline for a universal public pharmacare program with a national formulary that would be developed by an independent group of experts that would assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of medication? Yes. The Green Party will expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone.

B. Will your party support a new federal equalization payment for national pharmacare so that all provinces are able to cover the same comprehensive range of prescription drugs, with timely new additions on a regular basis? Yes. This will be part of our Pharmacare program. It will also create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods to ensure all provinces are able to access low-cost prescription drugs for their patients. More broadly, will also restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real health care needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth.

Question 3: Youth Vaping

If elected, will your government:

A. Take immediate actions to address a significant and troubling increase in youth vaping and smoking in Canada? Yes.

B. Use the results of the recent public consultations on new vaping regulations to strengthen controls over packaging, promotions and nicotine content? Yes.

C. Move to accelerate the process of banning all flavoured vaping products in an attempt to lessen their appeal to a youth market? Yes. The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long term health effects of vaping, a Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Question 4: Breast Cancer Screening
If elected to government, will your government:

A. Ensure that the Task Force's guidelines are revised by relevant experts in the field? Yes.

B. Disband the Task Force if its design flaws and lack of accountability can't be remedied under the current structure? Yes.

C. Reject the 2018 guidelines and, if needed, create a new Task Force which accurately incorporates relevant expert opinion?
Yes.

Thank you for your organizations questions and opportunity to elaborate on the Green Party platform positions. I have taken the liberty to include a link to the most specific area of the platform based on your questions. It covers in general/conceptually most of the questions you raise and addresses specifically your concern regarding a “National Drug”  (Pharmacare) policy.

https://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform/renew-social-contract#health-care

The three recommendations related to EI Sickness Benefits seem to be reasonable and cost effective. This would be an area that would need costing and confirmation; however, assuming that those things line up it would seem reasonable to move towards some sort of enhanced time availability possibly on a Dr. recommended basis.

See the platform website for specifics on Pharma Care.

This form of “tobacco reduction therapy” appears to be severely lacking in controls and regulation. What started out to be an assist for people looking to reduce their nicotine intake and eventually give it up altogether seems to have created a health issue of its own. This is deeply troubling and that matter alone is justification for more research and review of the practice.

The “Dense Breast” issue is something that needs expert review and attention. If in fact guidelines were drawn up without this expertise then that process needs to be re-visited.

With the support of you and your fellow colleagues in the organization we will elect enough Green Party MP’s to pressure what is looking to be a minority government into taking action on some/all of these issues.

Thank You

Ian Pineau

Gordon Kubanek expressed to CCSN his commitment to educating himself on the issues presented and investigating solutions if elected.

I am a two-time survivor of cancer. Twenty-two years ago I was diagnosed with cancer of the anus (papilloma induced). The treatment laid me extremely low, my small business foundered, and I very nearly ran out of savings. It was a long road to recovery, but I am grateful to have survived. Then last year I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Because I monitor my body closely, it was caught early and so far surgery has been sufficient treatment. You can imagine my terror. I monitor myself closely for breast cancer, too, because it runs in my family (both grandmothers, mother and two aunts).

I wholeheartedly answer yes to every one of your questions. I believe that official Green policy also addresses many of these questions positively and would address the remaining questions in the same way. Furthermore, besides running in the riding of Portage-Lisgar, I represent Manitoba on the Green Party Federal Council, so I am involved at the highest level.

You have my deepest gratitude for all that you do and my unqualified support.

Yours,

Beverley Eert
GPC Candidate for Portage-Lisgar

Question 1 response:

The EI needs to be revamped. Several of my staff took advantage of the EI illness support program. This is great – better than what was in place before – nothing, as far as I know. I would support more people paying into it at a little higher rate to ensure that adequate coverage was available for everyone.

Question 2 response:

I was raised in the UK where we had a Pharmacare program and my mother, who still lives there greatly benefits from this program. The Liberals, NDP, the Greens, and I all support a Pharmacare program. https://michaelkalmanovitch.ca/platform/pharmacare/

Question 3 response:

I am against vaping, just like I am against smoking. We need to seriously invest some money and energy into stopping this trend. See my page on Healthcare – it includes some perspective on vaping https://michaelkalmanovitch.ca/platform/healthcare/

Question 4 response:

I do not know enough about this issue to offer an opinion. I am more on the front end of illnesses. We live in a fairly toxic environment and need to clean that up. Some people’s immune system gets triggered by this quicker than other people. I want a cleaner environment.

I would like to first note that the rate of cancer is increasing as a per capita number amongst our population.  I feel very strongly that this is a result of the changing toxic environment that we are creating.  This creation is being done in the name of the economy, and in many ways I see this as being equivalent to soldiers fighting in a war.  The injuries and death that result are a direct result of people engaging in a cause that is greater than themselves.  As such the nation itself becomes the backstop for the care and treatment of these people.

This for me translates into meaning that the personal wealth of an individual has nothing to do with the treatment of that individual, but rather falls to the government which has allowed the creation of a toxic environment in the pursuit of financial wealth.

As to your questions,

Question 1 response:

People do not seek to have cancer, it is a tragedy, compassions demand that we accept this and move forward accordingly.  I except your proposals for treatment and financial aid as presented.  If you and I and a third party representing a dissenting voice where to sit down together and have a dialogue, I would listen, but I see no reason that I would change my position.

Question 2 response:

Pharma care…the Green party is solidly behind a national pharma care program.  Health is a human right.  To take this further, I align with an old way of thinking that says “I am my brother’s keeper.”

Question 3 response:

I’d have to check on the official position of the party, what I can say is that I support your call to recognize the danger of vaping and the federal government’s responsibility in the matter.  I note that I am supported by the Green party, this means that I am free to express myself and my views and am not beholding to a predetermined line of thought.

Question 4 response:

I have no expertise in the matter of breast screening.  As you represent the voice of survivors, and as such have insights that I do not have, I take your views with the utmost respect.  Should I be the next member of parliament for the riding of Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, I would make it a priority to sit down with you to discuss the matter.

Thank you for the outreach

Wayne James

Question 1 response:

The platform is silent on this question other than to say: We are overdue to modernize our Employment Insurance program to better meet the needs of today. As the MP for Fredercton I am prepared to champion this issue within my party and across party lines. Our social safety nets need to be there to catch people when they need them most. It is unacceptable that sick Canadians undergoing cancer treatments are being cut off from their sick benefits. The Green platform also advances the idea of a guaranteed liveable income. This would be a safety net for people who find themselves in various situations, including the one you've described.

Question 2 response:

a) We are committed to establishing a national pharmacare plan immediately, and negotiating the long term, provincial component within two years. Considerations around safety and availability of medications would need to be part of the plan, as would closing down access to American buyers which jeopardise Canadian
drug supply.

b) Possibly. We are committed to a national pharmacare plan and this would be one way to make it happen.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes

b) Yes

c) Yes -  in New Brunswick, we have already eliminated all flavoured tobacco products, it is not a stretch to ban flavoured e-cigarettes
or vaporisers.

Question 4:

a) Absolutely. As Greens we are committed to science-based decision making, and rely on the precautionary principle where science has not found consensus.

b) I would be willing to make this recommendation in that case.

c) I would be willing to do so if the current Task Force proves to be unworkable

Question 1 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Question 2 response:

a) The Green Party will expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone.

b) Yes. This will be part of our Pharmacare program. It will also create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods to ensure all provinces are able to access low-cost prescription drugs for their patients.  More broadly, will also restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real health care needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes. The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long term health effects of vaping, a Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Question 4 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Question 1 response: 

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Question 2 response:

a) Yes. The Green Party will expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone.

b) Yes. This will be part of our Pharmacare program. It will also create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods to ensure all provinces are able to access low-cost prescription drugs for their patients.  More broadly, will also restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real health care needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes. The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long term health effects of vaping, a Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Question 4 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Thank you for sending me the questions on cancer care and healthcare. Please see below for my answers. I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on these important topics.

Sincerely,

David Merner

Green Party of Canada Candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke

Question 1 response:

If elected, will your government:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Question 2 response:

a) Yes. The Green Party will expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone.

b) Yes. This will be part of our Pharmacare program. It will also create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods to ensure all provinces are able to access low-cost prescription drugs for their patients.  More broadly, we will also restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real health care needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes. The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long-term health effects of vaping, a Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Question 4 response:

If elected to government, will your government:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

Hello Jackie,

Thank you for sending me your questions with detailed research and information. I value making informed decisions using the latest research, and I took the time to review the information you provided. My father died many years ago, about a month after being diagnosed with cancer, under deeply distressing circumstances. It has been a devastating experience for our family and I very strongly share your concern and hard work for optimal cancer care and follow-up for survivors.

The Green Party platform provides a comprehensive plan for improving health care across the country, and it includes many proposals that are in line with your recommendations. We are committed to a universal Pharmacare program and will expand the existing single-payer Medicare to include Pharmacare. Pharmacare is the best way to accomplish both life-saving and cost-cutting goals.

I am in support of the recommendations you provided, including updates to employment insurance to lengthen benefits for Canadians that require long periods of treatment, reducing vaping (especially in youth) and our adjusting our breast cancer screening guidelines to better align with the recommendations from breast cancer experts.

As an MP, I will make decisions based on expert recommendations, relevant research and the input from Canadians. I appreciate you taking the time to compile these questions and information, and I strongly support your efforts in improving cancer screening, treatment and recovery in all Canadians.

Again, thank for this opportunity to share the Green Party platform and my views with the CCSN.

Warm regards,
Natalie

Natalie ODD
Candidate for Calgary Confederation
Green Party of Canada
www.natalieodd.ca

If I am elected, I will work to improve the care available to cancer patients.

The Green Party is committed to creating a Universal Pharmacare program immediately. We have had Pharmacare costed by the Parliamentary Budget office and they report that the program is affordable. We expect that Univerasl Pharmcare will lead to savings within the healthcare system by freeing up hospital beds being used by patients who deteriorated because they could not afford simple medications.

I will work to consult with Canadians and to lengthen sickness benefits for those with long term illnesses, such as cancer, and to cancel the waiting period for EI in times of sickness. A patient should be focused on their recovery, not worried about their finances.

Our youth must be protected from the dangers of vaping and I will work for immediate actions to address youth vaping and smoking, with regulations to strengthen controls over packaging, promotions and nicotine content and a complete ban on all flavoured vaping products.

I am concerned about the flaws in the guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. If elected I will work to disband the Task Force and reject its flawed findings. A New Task Force must be created which relies on science and relevant expert opinion. I am particularly concerned about the risks of breast density, a risk which must be considered in the new guidelines.

Kate Storey, Green Party candidate for Dauphin Swan River Neepawa

Thanks so much for reaching out to me with your health-care concerns regarding cancer patients and survivors. I share many of your concerns, and I believe that the Green Party platform offers solutions to many of the challenges you’ve raised.

Question 1 response:

Regarding Employment Insurance sickness benefits: The Green Party recognizes that the current EI system is unfair and presents unacceptable barriers for many people, including those unable to work due to illness. Our plan to implement a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) would effectively address many of the issues you mention; in particular, cancer patients who have been unable to work for extended periods of time would be assured of receiving ongoing payments in keeping with the program’s standard of livable income. For more information about the Green’s plan for a GLI program, please see page 59 of our platform (https://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform).

Question 2 response:

The Green Party also supports universal pharmacare for all Canadians, expanding the single-pay health-care model to include all prescription drugs. Greens will also work to restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and the real health-care needs in each province. We will also negotiate the Health Accord to prioritize an expansion of rehabilitation services and reduction in wait times.

Question 3 response:

Regarding youth vaping: while the Green Party platform does not refer directly to the issue of youth vaping, the data to which you refer indicates that this is a serious concern and that further action is needed. Given the connection between smoking in any form and various cancers, we would support greater restrictions on youth access to vaping products, as well as packaging that accurately reflects the contents and the risks. Indeed, the toxic chemicals associated with smoking and vaping would fall under the category of “Reducing Ecological and Health Risks” in our platform, in which we state that we intend to “invoke the precautionary principle in making decisions about approvals of products, substances, projects and processes where there is the potential for irreversible harm. If there is no scientific proof of safety, then approval will be withheld.” This could easily include the substances found in vaping products. ?Personally, I support further exploration of the idea that vaping products are valuable as ‘harm reduction’ in comparison to cigarettes, but are themselves still addictive and harmful, and therefore should be treated the same as nicotine patches or gum – and therefore available only by prescription. This is an issue that I need to do more research on, but should I be elected, I will advocate for these ideas within the party as discussion on the topic progresses.

Question 4 response:

Finally, with respect to breast cancer screening times: again, while this is not addressed specifically in the platform, the Green Party recognizes that there are many inefficiencies and oversights in the current health-care system. We are in favour of any revisions to the current system that works towards the health and well-being of all Canadians; the Green Party wants to reorient Health Canada’s mandate towards mental health and addictions, health promotion and disease prevention, and the health risks of climate change. The points you raise about breast cancer indeed have to do with prevention, and as such, we would ensure that all provinces adopt the same standards for screening.

Thank you once again for getting in touch. If you have any additional comments or questions about these matters, please do not hesitate to follow up.

Warm regards,

Anna K

—
Anna Keenan
Candidate for Malpeque, PEI
Shadow Cabinet Critic for Democratic Institutions | Responsable des Institutions Démocratiques
Green Party of Canada | Parti vert du Canada

Question 1 response:

The Green Party of Canada wants to implement a Guaranteed Livable Income, which would ensure that there are no cracks for people to fall through by providing a universal benefit to all. I don’t know entirely how that would function with EI – whether EI would provide additional benefits or not – but the baseline benefit would be set at the cost of living on a region by region basis, which means that nobody would have to go without while their EI is being processed.

Question 2 response:

The Green Party of Canada supports a national Pharmacare program that is universal and subject to the same universality requirements as our healthcare system, ensuring that everyone has access to drugs in every province.

Question 3 response:

Vaping is an emerging concern, and not addressed in our platform. I support strong regulation – and so does the industry – including banning flavours that appeal to youth, and regulating packaging. At the same time, there is potential for vaping to be used as a harm reduction strategy, as it is cleaner than cigarettes. The increase in smoking that coincides with the increase in vaping concerns me;  public education programs that clarify the health impacts of both vaping and smoking could help.

Question 4 response:

One of the most important roles of governments is to monitor and, where necessary, revise government programs to ensure that they are effective. If our breast cancer screening is deficient, then it should be replaced with more effective programs. Expertise should always be included in any such program development and implementation.

Thanks for reaching out.

I believe that the Green Party platform offers solutions to many of the challenges you’ve raised. For our entire platform, please go to https://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_2019_en_web_-_update_sep17.pdf

Question 1 response:

Our plan to implement a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) would effectively address many of the issues you mention; in particular, cancer patients who have been unable to work for extended periods of time would be assured of receiving ongoing payments in keeping with the program’s standard of livable income.

Question 2 response:

The Green Party supports universal Pharmacare for all Canadians, expanding the single-pay health-care model to include all prescription drugs. Greens will also work to restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and the real health-care needs in each province. We will also negotiate the Health Accord to prioritize an expansion of rehabilitation services and reduction in wait times.

Question 3 response:

Youth vaping: is not specifically addressed in our platform. However, it has recently become clear that this is a serious concern and that further action is needed. Given the connection between smoking in any form and various cancers, we would support greater restrictions on youth access to vaping products, as well as packaging that accurately reflects the contents and the risks.

Question 4 response:

Breast cancer screening times: Although this is not addressed specifically in the platform, the Green Party recognizes that there are many inefficiencies and oversights in the current health-care system. We are in favour of any revisions to the current system that works towards the health and well-being of all Canadians; the Green Party wants to reorient Health Canada’s mandate towards mental health and addictions, health promotion and disease prevention, and the health risks of climate change.

Jason Blanch
Green Party of Canada Candidate

Thank you for reaching out to me

Question 1 response:

a) Yes, this issue is long overdue.

b) Yes, the Green Party of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians can live a dignified life, especially at their most vulnerable.

c) Yes, this particular issue needs to be addressed and brought to the forefront of discussion.

Question 2 response:

a) Yes. With a Green Government, we would expand a universal pharmacare program as free dental care for low-income Canadians. We would also work with experts and the public see how best we can implement a system that is beneficial to all.

b) Yes. The Green Party will: Restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real healthcare needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth. Expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone as well as free dental care for low-income Canadians. Create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes. A Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

c) The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long term health effects of vaping. The Green Party is committed to protecting our youth from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Question 4 response:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

c) Yes.

I would once again like to thank your questions.

Best wishes,

Grad Murray
Green Party of Canada Candidate for Edmonton Centre

Question 1 response:

a) If need be. We plan to introduce a Guaranteed Livable Income which would replace EI, provincial disability benefits, and the patchwork of other programs that exist across the country.

b) Possibly as an interim solution, but the long-term solution would be the Guaranteed Livable Income.

c) Possibly as an interim solution, but the long-term solution would be the Guaranteed Livable Income.

Question 2 response:

a) The party plans to introduce pharmacare.

b) Our party plans to initially pay 100% of the cost of pharmacare for I believe two years. That will give the federal government sufficient time to negotiate with the provinces regarding future cost distribution of pharmacare.

Question 3 response:

a) Yes

b) Yes, with any subject matter expert recommendations.

c) Yes

Question 4 response:

a) Yes, including the relevant experts who wrote the current guidelines.

b) While I cannot speak for the Green party, I would not recommend that the task force be disbanded. My impression is that the CTFPHC carefully reviews available evidence before designing guidelines on many important topics.

c) While I cannot speak for the Green party, I would not necessarily support rejecting the 2018 guidelines nor would I necessarily support creating a new task force. One point that was omitted in the para above was that likely the CTFPHC considered the risk of screening women in their 40s (false positives), and the risks of additional screening.

EI:
A. Recognize that there is a need for a new process that recognizes that some patients, including cancer patients, experience extended periods of treatment and recovery, and hold open consultations with Canadians about how this process will be developed and implemented?

Yes.

B. Use the results of these consultations to lengthen sickness benefits for Canadians undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as other serious illnesses that require long periods of treatment or recovery, so that Canadians who are ill are not penalized by the current limit of 15 weeks of sickness benefits?

Yes.

C. Cancel the two-week waiting period for EI Sickness Benefits so that sick Canadians are not penalized?

Yes.

Pharmacare:
A. What is your party’s position on the creation of, and timeline for, a universal public pharmacare program with a national formulary that would be developed by an independent group of experts that would assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of medication?

Yes – the Green Party supports pharmacare and will begin a $26.8 billion investment in 2020-2021. On a personal note, pharamacare is a specific platform item for me. I have an autoimmune condition (lupus) and am on prescription medications for the rest of my life – I am well aware of how prohibitively expensive medications are.

B. Will your party support a new federal equalization payment for national pharmacare so that all provinces are able to cover the same comprehensive range of prescription drugs with timely new additions on a regular basis?

Yes. This will be part of our Pharmacare program. It will also create a bulk drug purchasing agency and reduce drug patent protection periods to ensure all provinces are able to access low-cost prescription drugs for their patients. More broadly, will also restore the federal/provincial Health Accord, basing health transfers on demographics and real health care needs in each province, replacing the current formula based on GDP growth.

Youth Vaping:
A. Take immediate actions to address a significant and troubling increase in youth vaping and smoking in Canada?

Yes. Although I was unable to track down the study, staff of youth organizations in the riding informed me that youth vaping in the Kootenay region is one of the highest rates in the province. This is a particularly concerning issue in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding.

B. Use the results of the recent public consultations on new vaping regulations to strengthen controls over packaging, promotions and nicotine content?

Yes

C. Move to accelerate the process of banning all flavoured vaping products in an attempt to lessen their appeal to a youth market?

Yes. The Green Party believes in evidence-based policy and following the precautionary principle. As we are only just beginning to discover the long term health effects of vaping, a Green government would bring in new legislative and regulatory tools to prevent marketing to young people and protect them from the known and unknown negative health effects of vaping.

Breast Cancer
A. Ensure that the Task Force’s guidelines are revised by relevant experts in the field?

Yes. I have done significant work in the field of women’s issues and am presently pursuing a Master’s with a focus on equality. Although not specific to health issues, I would be questioning who is on this Task Force and the experts involved to ensure adequate representation (including but not limited to Indigenous and trans health needs, poverty, and other considerations).

B. Disband the Task Force if its design flaws and lack of accountability can’t be remedied under the current structure?

Yes.

C. Reject the 2018 guidelines and, if needed, create a new Task Force which accurately incorporates relevant expert opinion?

Yes.

Greetings,

As a member of the Green Party of Canada and a physician, the issues raised by your questions are all important aspects of health care. Without further ado, the answer to all is “yes”.

I would have dearly loved to have responded to these questions personally but arriving as they did during the weeks at the end of our six week campaign trail, I have not had the time to respond. There have been dozens of similar letters from other organizations about everything from the Dairy Producers of Canada to Air Passengers Rights.

Question 1 response:

The Green Party’s platform to have a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) will alleviate many of the burdens (often of even knowing of and applying for) funding to assist with costs of living.

Question 2 response:

As I’m sure you know – the Green Party has advocated for national pharmacare constantly for over a decade at the recommendation of the Canadian Medical Association. We continue to do so because it is everyone’s interests.

Question 3 response: 

In a classic case of good intentions going bad – vaping was to be something to ease smokers off cigarettes and they became something far worse. Higher levels of nicotine and with flavours designed to attract youth and children. Yes, we’d ban advertising and kid-friendly flavours. This are smoking cessation tools, not to be used as a new market.

Question 4 response: 

As a science driven party, we lean on the consensus of scientific opinion. In this case we would agree with experts on their recommendations to expand screening.

Hope this helps!

Please note that the following MP's responded to CCSN's questions with the Liberal Party's official response that is provided further below.

- Robert Falcon Ouellette (Winnipeg Centre)

- Taleeb Noormohamed (Vancouver Granville)

- Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre)

Question 1 response:

As promised in 2015, the Trudeau Government, in its first budget, reduced the waiting period for all Employment Insurance benefits from two weeks to one. This important change helps to put more money in the pockets of those who need it, sooner. At the same time, we have expanded access to caregiving benefits.

But we also know we must do more. A re-elected Liberal government will go further, by immediately increasing sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks of coverage, helping to provide more to help Canadians who suffer from various illnesses, including cancer and other episodic illnesses. We will continue to work with stakeholders, experts, survivors and those dealing with illness to ensure that E.I. and other financial benefits provided by the government of Canada are responsive to the needs of Canadians.

Question 2 response:

No Canadian should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table. While Canadians are proud of our health care system, many are still forced to make sometimes difficult decisions. These decisions are even more difficult when it comes to the health needs of children and youth, which put even greater strain on any family.

That is why we have taken historic action to reform drug prices, changes which have now been brought into law, and which will save Canadians $13 billion over the next decade.

We gratefully accept the report by Dr. Hoskins and the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The report is an important step in laying the foundation for a universal, national pharmacare program.

We have already committed to working together with provinces and territories to create a Canadian Drug Agency that will make medications more affordable by negotiating better drug prices on behalf of all Canadians and to establish a common national formulary, based on the best available evidence. In particular, we know that the cost of many drugs for rare diseases can be astronomical, so we are putting in place a national strategy for rare disease drugs to help Canadians get the life-saving drugs that they need.

If re-elected, we will work closely with the provinces and territories, and our partners and stakeholders in order to achieve national, universal pharmacare so that all Canadians have access to the medications they need at an affordable price. Our newly announced investment of an additional $6 billion over the next four years will include dedicated funding to further the progress we have already made towards universal pharmacare for all Canadians, as guided by the Advisory Council.

Question 3 response:

Tobacco use kills 45,000 Canadians every year – that’s one every twelve minutes. We share the concerns that many Canadians – particularly parents – have about vaping, which is why we took action to introduce Canada’s first-ever framework to regulate vaping. This includes protecting youth by banning vaping products for those under 18, prohibiting the promotion of certain flavours and restricting ads aimed at youth.

Earlier this year, we proposed further restrictions on vaping ads like billboards and launched a new public education campaign to inform our youth of vaping’s risks. Yet we know we can do more – that’s why we’ve proposed further restricting vaping products’ appeal and availability to youth – including flavours, designs, nicotine content and online availability.

A re-elected Liberal government will move forward with further steps to keep vaping away from teenagers and youth, and better regulate how companies market and formulate vaping products. We look forward to working closely with public health experts, stakeholders and Canadians themselves to develop and bring into place these new restrictions based on the best available evidence.

Question 4 response:

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care was established by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to develop clinical practice guidelines that support primary care providers in delivering preventive health care. PHAC provides scientific and secretariat support for them. It comprises a panel of up to 15 experts in primary care, public health, preventive medicine and guideline methodology. They develop guidelines on various health issues.

Guideline development is based on systematic analysis of scientific evidence – including looking at similar guidelines in other countries. That said, we support PHAC’s further work on the Breast Cancer screening file. They’re currently examining a range of options that seek to address stakeholder feedback, as well as strengthen PHAC’s role in helping to fill knowledge gaps in this area. As a first and immediate next step, PHAC is moving forward with organizing a “Best Brains Exchange” on Breast Cancer Screening with colleagues from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

While PHAC provided scientific support to the Task Force’s Breast Cancer Screening working group, it did not vote on the recommendations. As this is an independent process, delivered outside of the government of Canada, we will continue to let the Task Force do its work and monitor any appropriate role that PHAC can play in supporting good public health outcomes for Canadians.

Additional information worth noting

To improve federal health research that can help lead to better outcomes and healthier lives for children, we will move forward with investing an additional $30 million next year in pediatric cancer research. We will also work closely with families, experts, and researchers over the next year to develop a long-term plan to ensure pediatric cancer research has the funding it needs to be sustainable and to help families when they need help most.

I certainly recognize, as does the Liberal party, that there are barriers for individuals with episodic illnesses to access programs such as EI. The matter was discussed in committee during the last Parliament. We do have an uphill battle — and it is one that I am willing to fight. There must be fairness for people with episodic illnesses.

I am excited that the Liberal Party platform calls for national Pharmacare. It is a sad fact that over 25% of Canadian families have a member who does not take their prescribed drugs due to cost. The Parliamentary Budget Office has determined it is feasible and would save billions of dollars in prescription costs, not to mention minimizing hospitalizations.

I would certainly support any measures that address vaping, especially its appeal to youth through means of marketing.

As someone who has experience in the field of qualitative health research, I believe all public health measures must be supported by sound medical research. I recognize sometimes current research can take years to fully inform clinical guidelines, and that this can be a source of frustration.

Thanks for writing.
Trevor Kirczenow
Liberal candidate, Provencher

Merci et bonne journée,

Émilie

Enjeux – plateforme nationale condensée_VF

Choisir d’avancer. Diane Lebouthillier 2019

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me on behalf of your organization with important questions as we approach the federal election. I am pleased to respond to your questions below:

Question 1 response:

Throughout my term as Member of Parliament, I have met regularly with organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the MS Society of Canada. These organizations have advocated for the need to extend the EI Sickness Benefit to ensure that they more appropriate for the reality of Canadians that need to use these services. I have personally advocated for the need of these expansions and am pleased that our platform proposes to expand the EI Sickness Benefits from 15 weeks to 26 weeks.

Question 2 response:

Over the past four years, our government has taken numerous steps to lay the foundation of a universal pharamcare program. I have frequently heard from constituents about the need for such a program to ensure that they no longer need to choose between their medications or food on their table. We are proposing to take the next steps to implement a national pharamcare program. We will back these commitments with an additional $6 billion over the next four years in order to negotiate with provinces and territories using the Canada Health Act to negotiate a program that benefits all Canadians.

Question 3 response:

Throughout our mandate, we have prioritized taking action on vaping, particularly amongst youth. This includes our steps to establish a strong regulatory framework for vaping products that came into effect in May 2018 which established a national minimum age of access for vaping products and restricted the access to these products amongst youth.  We will continue to look for innovative ways to help reduce nicotine addiction and the harms associated with it. We have taken steps to protect Canadians, especially young children, from nicotine poisoning, and help adults who choose to vape make informed choices about their health.

Question 4 response:

I am proud to serve as the Member of Parliament of a prominent Dense Breast Screening advocate, Kathy Kaufield. I have had the opportunity to discuss this topic with her on different occasions and was pleased to see that her advocacy managed to secure the commitment in the different provincial platforms during our 2018 provincial election.    Every woman has a right to know their breast density so they can make informed healthcare decisions.Our new platform which was released during the campaign states that wewill continue to collaborate with the provinces and territories to move forward with more accessible care, shorter wait times, and better health outcomes.  In my conversations with Kathy Kaufield, she created a strong awareness to me directly, within our community and in our province, as she told us her story, and how it affects the lives of women all across Canada.   Dense Breast Cancer Screening, and the Task Force concerns you have outlined, would certainly be an issue that I would bring forward when engaging with others as we discuss the topic of better health outcomes.

I am committed to representing the voices of Fundy Royal to the government in Ottawa, and for that I ask you to continue engaging in discussions on public policy, and to be vocal about what we can do to make this country better.

Thank you for taking the time to send me your e-mail. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions/concerns.  I am hopeful that on October 21^st, I will be able to count on your support and that together, we can Choose Forward for Fundy Royal.

Sincerely, Alaina Lockhart, Liberal Candidate, Fundy Royal

Question 1 response:

The issues you have discussed, the questions you have raised and the solutions you have proposed are all important and deserving of consideration. The Liberal Platform is very much concerned about the health and wellbeing of all Canadians and has built a platform that works to address gaps in our safety net that cause individuals undeserved hardship. We recognize that this is an ongoing process with much left to do but we welcome these observations which will help us to figure out the fairest and most
equitable way to sort through demands on available resources.

The Liberal Party recognizes the hardship individuals and families suffer when impacted by serious illness. We are committed to moving forward to offer increased help to workers who have fallen ill and need help to pay bills during their recovery – such as those recovering from cancer treatment – with an extension of Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks.

Question 2 response:

The Liberal government has recognized the need to ensure that all Canadians have access to medications they require and established the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare to make recommendations on how to proceed. The Council recently delivered its compelling report and a Liberal government will move forward to take the critical next steps to implement a universal Pharmacare program. Because the implementation and success of a universal program depends upon collective effort and collaboration among the provinces and territories our first critical step will be to engage the provinces and territories, along with indigenous governments and representative organizations, to consider the best way to implement such an important program. As with all Liberal government policy we will seek credible evidenced based information upon which to make our decisions.

Question 3 response:

Recent media coverage of the growing number of incidences (particularly in the USA) of sudden, life threatening and unexpected lung illness in youths is of grave concern. Information available today suggests that although the direct cause of the lung damage is not clear, vaping or the products being vaped are suspected. The Liberal government has already taken action to protect our youth by banning vaping products for those under 18, prohibiting the promotion of certain child attractive flavours and restricting ads aimed at youth. But we recognize that more needs to be done. We support the ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the emerging incidences of lung illness and – based upon evidence based information – will take all necessary steps to protect our Canadian youth.

Question 4 response:

We recognize that there is controversy around the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care’s guidelines on breast cancer screening. A Liberal government will always attempt to secure evidence based information from experienced individuals when considering policy based decisions – particularly those involving the health of Canadians. We also recognize that over time thinking and opinions may evolve and new studies may be undertaken and that these circumstances can impact the conclusions upon which government policy is based. We are committed to maintaining the relevance and credibility of information upon which all Liberal government policy is based and will seriously consider and respond to all concerns about such information.

Thank you for reaching out. Canada’s health care system is a source of pride, but too many people still slip through the cracks. The Liberal plan is going to close the gaps in the healthcare system, and make sure people can get the care they need, when they need it most. No one should go without the care they need because they don’t have access to a family doctor. And no one should have to give up food and heat to be able to pay for health care.

A re-elected Liberal government will improve people’s access to health care by:

• ensuring that every Canadian can easily find a family doctor or primary care team;
• setting clear national standards for access to mental health services; and
• continuing to make home care and palliative care more available to those who need it.

We will make sure everyone can afford the medications they need by:

• implementing Universal Pharmacare, so that all Canadians have the drug coverage they need at an affordable price;
• establishing the Canada Drug Agency to make drug purchasing more effective and efficient, and implementing a national formulary with partners to set prices; and
• bringing down the cost of lifesaving high-cost drugs for families through the Rare Disease Drug Strategy.

With regards to EI, the Liberal Platform includes a plan to help workers who fall ill and need help to pay the bills while they rest and recover – such as those recovering from cancer treatments – by moving forward with extending Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 26 weeks.

With regards to youth vaping, the Liberal government funded the Consider the Consequences Awareness Tour via Health Canada to travel to high schools and community events across Canada to talk to teens about the harms and risks related to vaping. Efforts to strengthen tobacco control in Canada also continued in Budget 2019, with the objective of implementing plain packaging requirements on all tobacco products as well as the modernization of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy, to reduce tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Between new funds set out in Budget 2018 as well as existing resources, the Government plans to make significant investments in tobacco control, including vaping, over the next five years. A re-elected Liberal government will continue to work on this file.

The Liberal platform also includes a commitment to increase our investments in pediatric cancer research next year.
To improve federal health research that can help lead to better outcomes and healthier lives for these young patients, we will move forward with investing an additional $30 million next year in pediatric cancer research. We will also work closely with families, experts, and researchers over the next year to develop a long-term plan to ensure pediatric cancer research has the funding it needs to be sustainable and to help families when they need help most.

Thank you for reaching out.

Regards,

Sacha from Team Jean Yip

Dear Jackie,

I know you have been able to review our platform and can see that some of your suggestions are already in the platform. I look forward to working with you on the other suggestions.

Best wishes,
Deb Schulte
Liberal Candidate
King – Vaughan

Thank you for your email.

Conservatives recognize that all Canadians, specifically those on fixed-incomes are finding it more difficult to get by financially.

Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives have a plan to make life more affordable for our seniors. We will:

- scrap the carbon tax,

- take the GST off of home heating, and

- leave more money in their pockets so they can more easily do things like visiting their grandkids or enjoying a trip away from home.

- We will have more to say about our plan to make life more affordable for seniors as we get closer to the election.

An Andrew Scheer government will also offer incentives to retirees who want to go back to work. Many retired people are still active and want to continue working; by giving them incentives they will be able to fill positions in areas that are facing labour shortages.

Conservatives recognize that seniors have unique needs and challenges, and we are committed to addressing them head-on. An Andrew Scheer government will live within its means, leave more money in your pocket, and let you get ahead so that you can choose how best to spend your golden years.

Andrew Scheer’s Health and Social Program Guarantee: a commitment to maintain and increase the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and the Canada Social Transfer (CST) by at least 3% per year, as is currently mandated in legislation. In 2019-2020, the two transfers are providing $55 billion to provinces and territories.

Under a new Conservative government, Canadians will be able to count on stable and predictable health and social program funding. It is critical for Canadians to have confidence that these programs will be there for them when they need them. That’s what this guarantee is about. Stable federal funding is important to ensure a quality public health care system in every province.

When elected as your Member of Parliament, I will be sure to listen to my constituents and bring their concerns to Ottawa.

For further information on the Conservation Party of Canada, please go to https://www.conservative.ca/news/

Warren Steinley

Candidate for Regina Lewvan

PO Box 37268
Regina, Sask
S4S 3R0

Web: warrensteinley2019.ca
Email: warren@warrensteinley2019.com
Phone: 306-551-2438

Thank you for your email. I want to assure you that, as a recent cancer survivor myself, I have great sympathy for those who suffer from cancer and their families.

As you might imagine, during an election my office is flooded with requests to sign pledges and take surveys on a host of issues. Often the commitments asked for leave little room for nuance or for candidates to refine their positions or review the legislation/regulations/policies being proposed.

In the interests of consistency, I have settled upon a policy of not signing on to pledges and surveys but of meeting with constituents and interest groups directly or debating these issues in public fora like all-candidates debates.

Thanks again for your passion in the fight against cancer. On that point, at least, we are on the same team!

Ed Fast

I apologize but there is just not enough time in the day during the campaign to review what you are proposing and to become informed well enough to make comments.

Health is a provincial jurisdiction and the People’s Party are committed to providing the funding to the provinces with a complete removal of the restrictions that are currently placed upon how those dollars are spent so that the provinces are empowered to use the dollars in the most appropriate and responsive ways for their residents.

I wanted to send you a quick note. Thank you for reaching out.

Nadine Wellwood
Candidate – Banff-Airdrie Electoral District
People’s Party of Canada
M 403.479.1833
E Nadine@nadinewellwood.ca | W nadinewellwood.ca

Question 1 response:

I recognize that there are many different types of illness and injury that could cause an individual to require EI beyond 15 weeks. It would be important to remember that when something is increased in one area, it is often decreased in another. I would want to ensure benefit amounts continued to meet the needs of people on EI. Although our party does not have a specific policy on this as yet, it sounds like a complex issue, which would require close consideration.

Question 2 response:

The People’s Party would like to see a points system whereby the provinces essentially keep the GST, which is approximately 40 billion dollars. In this way provincial governments have access to more of their own funds, rather than begging the federal government for their own money back. The provinces would be accountable to their constituents, rather than each jurisdiction blaming the other. There would be less bureaucracy and more efficiency in administering health care programs.

The federal government could negotiate better prices for the buying of pharmaceuticals in bulk. Patent legislation could be looked at, so drug companies are not able to make small adjustments in order to register a new patent. Our party has promised to overhaul what it sees as an unfair equalization system, which has encouraged dependency and discouraged economic development.

Question 3 response:

I find the increase in youth vaping troubling and would definitely want to address it. I would try to determine which measures would be likely to have an impact. All known risks must be advertised and the minimum legal age must be strictly enforced. Those that are caught selling to minors should lose their license.

However, I don’t know that I agree with banning flavoured vape juice, in the same way that it would not be appropriate to ban flavoured vodka coolers from liquor stores.

Question 4 response:

I would always defer to medical experts with regards to healthcare recommendations. If there is a discrepancy between the task force and other medical groups, it would be necessary to ensure an accurate, transparent and unbiased look at the evidence. Next steps would be determined based on the findings.

These are issues I care deeply about since sadly, I have a teenage daughter who vapes. Also, I myself, lost my own mother to cancer when I was just a teenager.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
Kindest regards,
Alyson Culbert
Victoria Candidate
People’s Party of Canada

Hello Jackie,

The People’s Party of Canada has a Healthcare platform on its website: www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca which you may find interesting.

Our intent is to follow the constitution and make healthcare a completely provincial jurisdiction.  The transfer payments to provinces and territories have doubled since 2006 from $20 billion to $40 billion with nothing to show for it.

Canadian healthcare needs complete reform and that is our position.  We would stop transfer payments and thus release the provinces and territories from ineffective regulations in The Health Act and allow provinces and territories to be innovative in healthcare issues.  We are prepared to give up the GST to cover the lost money to the provinces and territories.

I hope this answers your questions.
Jane MacDiarmid
Candidate for People’s Party of Canada
Winnipeg South Centre

Madame, Vous trouverez, ci-joint, les réponses au questionnaire que vous nous avez fait parvenir dans le cadre des élections fédérales 2019. Nous espérons que les réponses fournies vous permettront de mieux comprendre notre action politique.

Vous trouverez plus de détails concernant nos politiques sur notre site web : http://www.blocquebecois.org/

Nous vous prions, Madame, d'agréer l'expression de nos sentiments distingués.

Question 1 response: 

Le fait de confondre l'assurance-emploi avec le Trésor public ou de les faire fondre l'un dans l'autre est maintenant la norme à Ottawa. Le régime a perdu sa vocation première et presque sa raison d'être : le régime doit en être un d'assurance pour les travailleurs qui perdent leur emploi et non pas une taxe au travail! Le Bloc propose donc un examen complet du régime de l'AE qui n'a pas été fait depuis 15 ans et y demandera notamment une réelle caisse d'assurance-emploi autonome, une meilleure accessibilité (360 heures), une hausse du taux de prestations du revenu (55 à 60%), l'abolition du délai de carence à 1 semaine, une plus longue période de prestations et l'abolition du Tribunal de la sécurité sociale. De plus, cette refonte du régime se pencherait sur les prestations spéciales, incluant la prolongation de la période de prestations de maladie de l'assurance-emploi à 52 semaines.

Question 2 response: 

Si Ottawa veut aller de l'avant avec son régime pancanadien d'assurance médicaments, le Québec doit avoir un droit de retrait avec pleine compensation et sans conditions. Notons que l'Assemblée nationale du Québec a justement adopté le 14 juin 2019 à l'unanimité une motion demandant à Ottawa de ne pas s'ingérer dans les champs de compétence du Québec et d'offrir une pleine compensation financière et sans conditions si Ottawa va de l'avant avec son régime universel d'assurance médicament. Le système québécois n'est pas parfait, mais qu'Ottawa ferait moins bien. Le Québec est en avance sur le reste du Canada depuis 1996. Imposer au Québec un régime canadien ou des conditions impliquerait que les autres provinces, moins avancées sur le plan de l'assurance médicaments, dicteraient le pas vers l'arrière. Le Québec, à l'opposé, a toujours été une génération d'avance sur toutes les avancées sociales. Le fédéral n'est historiquement pas fiable en matière de santé. Jean Chrétien se vantait devant les pays du G7 qu'il n'avait qu'à couper dans les transferts en santé pour atteindre l'équilibre budgétaire et que de toute façon la population manifesterait contre les gouvernements provinciaux plutôt que contre son gouvernement. Les dernières coupes de 6 à 3% dans les transferts en santé, annoncées par Harper et mises en place par Trudeau, démontrent
encore une fois la véracité de cette approche fédérale.

Question 3 response:

Suite à l'adoption du projet de loi S-5, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le tabac, la Loi sur la santé des non-fumeurs et d'autres lois en conséquence, qui encadre la fabrication, la vente, l'étiquetage et la promotion des produits de vapotage, Santé Canada a lancé une offensive pour contrer l'utilisation des cigarettes électroniques. Comme vous le mentionnez, suite à la mise en vigueur de S-5, « le taux de vapotage (usage au cours de la dernière semaine) a augmenté de 79 % chez les 16 à 19 ans entre 2017 et 2018, avec une hausse simultanée de 57 % du taux de tabagisme hebdomadaire ». Ce sont des statistiques alarmantes. Le Bloc Québécois serait d'accord avec un projet de loi qui aurait pour but d'appliquer des restrictions supplémentaires sur la promotion, sur l'accès et l'attrait des dispositifs et sur leur emballage et étiquetage. Nous croyons que le gouvernement doit agir afin de prévenir l'utilisation de cigarettes de tabac et de cigarettes électroniques.

Question 4 response:

Le bloc Québécois proposera une étude au comité permanent de la santé au sujet des lignes directrices du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs concernant le dépistage du cancer du sein.