SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Hon. Mark Holland

  • Member of Parliament
  • Minister of Health
  • Liberal
  • Ajax
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 65%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $134,982.00

  • Government Page
  • Feb/28/24 3:18:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I am tabling, in both official languages, documents from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service related to the investigation into the activities and subsequent termination of the employment of two scientists at the National Microbiology Laboratory. These documents are being tabled in accordance with the memorandum of understanding agreed to by the government and three opposition parties in the House in October 2022. They have been reviewed and vetted by the ad hoc committee of parliamentarians, with the support of an independent panel of arbiters, in accordance with the terms of the memorandum of understanding. This process has demonstrated that the parties of this House can work together to ensure accountability and transparency to Canadians. I would also draw members' attention to the departmental statement that will be issued by the Public Health Agency today, which outlines the actions that have been taken by the agency since 2019 to address and highlight these documents.
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  • Jun/15/23 4:18:00 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, context is really important. At the start of the pandemic, when we were in a very difficult situation and it was impossible to work in person, we had to use technology to be able to continue our work in Parliament. At that time, we unanimously passed a motion to operate in a hybrid format. When health conditions improved, we were able to return to the House to continue our work in person. Over the past three years, we have seen just how effective the system has been. Ministers have continued to be in the House when members on the other side stand up during question period, and this will continue to be the case. The concept of accountability is included in the change proposed today. However, this motion provides some flexibility. Every party, whether it is the Conservative Party or the Bloc Québécois, uses the hybrid format. Every day, the members use technology to vote. Just a few moments ago, we saw the Bloc using this technology. I find it strange that the Bloc is against this proposal when it makes use of all the options available in the hybrid format, such as electronic voting.
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