Mr. Speaker, the drug supply chain is very complex. It does not just occur in Canada; it occurs outside Canada as well. The supply chain can be disrupted within Canada and outside Canada.
As the member is well aware, the provincial and territorial health ministries deliver health care. Our role is to work with the provinces and territories and assist them in addressing the issue of drug shortages. Within the regulatory authority that we have in Canada, we have provided information to the provinces and territories to ensure that they have access to other companies in Canada that provide the drugs in question.
In terms of moving forward, we have to work with the provinces and territories. They are the ones that deliver health care in Canada. We have to respect the Canada Health Act. The provinces and territories are best positioned to respond to their supply needs. At the same time, they have contracts in place with a number of industries. They can best tell whether they have the notice provisions or notification of any disruptions and so forth. Our role is to work in partnership with them as well as with industry to address this concern.