Liberals Avoid Motion Requesting Release of Government ‘Safe Supply’ Drug Contracts in Committee with Majority Representation.
Members of the Liberal party in the House of Commons committee postponed a vote on a motion regarding the disclosure of information from the federal government on contracts for “safer supply” drugs. They argued that pursuing the motion might be a waste of time since such contracts may not actually exist.
The motion presented to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) requests an audit of all federal contracts and agreements related to the procurement, acquisition, or transfer of safer supply drugs like hydromorphone since January 1, 2016.
Liberal MP Majid Jowari explained that the federal government does not typically enter into contracts with manufacturers of safer supply drugs. Instead, they collaborate with healthcare professionals who can prescribe these drugs.
Jowari noted that the government supports doctors who prescribe safer supply drugs through the Public Health Agency Of Canada (PHAC), but the quantity of drugs obtained and prescribed by these doctors is likely minimal.
According to Jowari, there are no contracts between the Government of Canada and PHAC for the bulk purchase or distribution of safe supplies to any jurisdiction or organization involved in this process.
Jowari opposed the motion on the grounds that it would be futile if no such contracts were in existence, leading to unnecessary consumption of the committee’s and departments’ time concerning the issue.
Jowari suggested revisiting the objective of understanding the procurement process of safe supply drugs rather than demanding all contracts from the government.
Conservative MP Garnett Genuis accused the Liberals of prolonging the discussion, prompting an immediate vote. However, Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk continued to address the motion and offered an amendment to exclude any third-party documents.
Genuis claimed that the amendment uncovered the Liberals’ motive. He argued that while Jowari indicated the lack of substantial contracts between large pharmaceutical companies and the government for the safe supply program, the amendment significantly restricted the motion’s scope.
Before a vote could be taken, the session adjourned without reaching a decision on the motion.
The safer supply program involves the distribution of prescription pharmaceutical opioids by the government to individuals at risk of overdose as a safer alternative to illegal street drugs.
They warned that hydromorphone, which is provided in large quantities, could exacerbate addiction issues and pose risks due to its potency compared to morphine.
