As I happen to rise on November 21, which is the day to commemorate St. Michael the Archangel in the old calendar, I want to wish all those celebrating a happy saint day. Srećna slava.

The months-long shortage of basic children’s pain and fever medication has impacted families across the province. For too long, most parents and caregivers have been unable to find any on shelves with or without a prescription. The little supply that can be found for sale online has been reported for sale as high as $300 by price gougers.

This shortage has left many parents feeling desperate and panicked as we head into the height of cold and flu season. Matters have gotten so bad that the Ontario Poison Centre has been receiving calls about children who have been given incorrect doses of adult pain medication.

The shortage has put additional stress on our hospitals as many parents have rushed their children to emergency departments because they were unable to manage fevers at home. Hospitals have had to postpone long-awaited surgeries and have also considered transferring patients to Buffalo for treatment because they’re so overwhelmed.

A shipment of this children’s medication is finally on the way, but if you ask parents and guardians, it isn’t coming fast enough. Plans have to be made now so that when the shipments arrive, medications are distributed fairly, and the government must do everything in its power to prevent hoarding and price gouging.

And, finally, these shortages show why we must bring back manufacturing to Ontario so we are not so reliant on the whims of international suppliers, whether it’s for medication or so many other things.