Issue 05

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1997
(Meeting No. 49)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 3:30 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Philip Mayfield, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

Other Members present: Carolyn Parrish and Ken Epp.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: From the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development: Sheila Shulman, Assistant Director, Center for the Study of Drug Development at Tufts University. From the Fraser Institute: Bill McArthur, Visiting Fellow in Health Policy. From the Canadian Association of Retired Persons: Lillian Morgenthau, President. From Health Promotion Research: Robert Coambs, President and Chief Executive Officer. From Palmer d'Angelo Consulting Inc.: W. Neil Palmer, Principal Consultant.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (see Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 5:45 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1997
(Meeting No. 50)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 7:05 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard, Bernard Patry, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

Other Member present: Carolyn Parrish.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers, Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: From Biochem Pharmaceuticals: Francesco Bellini, President and CEO. From Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.: Hans J. Mader, President and Chief Executive Officer. From Astra Canada: Gerald McDole, President & Chief Executive Officer. From Genpharm: Neil Tabatznik, Chairman. From Technilab: Jean-Guy Goulet, Senior Vice-President, Business Development. From Pfizer: Karl Parker, Vice-President, Government and Public Affairs.

The witnesses made an opening statement and answered questions.

At 9:20 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1997
(Meeting No. 51)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 3:30 o'clock p.m. in a televised session this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Jay Hill, Walt Lastewka, Nic Leblanc, Ron MacDonald, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

Other Members present: Tony Ianno and Carolyn Parrish.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: From the Stories Project/Life Before Medicare: Helen Heeney, Chairperson. From the ``Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées'': Liliane Lecompte, President. From the Older Women's Network: Connie Delahanty, Ottawa Director. From the Coalition of Quebec Seniors: David Woodsworth, Chair, Social Policy Committee; Gisèle Bérubé, Member. From Federal Superannuates, National Association: Jean-Guy Soulière, Executive Director. From the Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations: Bruce Mutch, Representative, and President, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, National. From Seniors on Guard for Medicare: Mary Eady, Executive Director; Romeo Maione, Chair. From Green Shield: Vernon Chiles, Vice-Chair of the Board.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 5:35 o'clock p.m. the sitting was suspended.

At 6:25 o'clock p.m. the sitting was resumed.

At 7:35 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1997
(Meeting No. 52)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 9:00 o'clock a.m. in a televised session this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Other Member present: Carolyn Parrish

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: From the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Ottawa: Stan Marshall, Senior Research Officer. From Kingston and District Labour Council: Len Hope. From CAW TCA Canada: Jo-Ann Hannah, National Representative.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 11:00 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Eugene Morawski

Committee Clerk

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997
(Meeting No. 53)

The Standing Committee on Industry met, in a videoconference session, at 8:05 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bernard Patry, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: In St. John's, Newfoundland: From the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour: Elaine Price, President. From the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation: Don Halloway, President. In Moncton, New Brunswick: From the New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation Inc.: Steven Boyce, Executive Director. From Miramichi District Labour Council: Ian Donovan, Recording Secretary. In Halifax, Nova Scotia: From the Nova Scotia NDP: Robert Chisholm, Leader, House of Assembly. From the Health Action Coalition of Nova Scotia: Fiona Chin-Yee. From Nova Scotia Nurses' Union: Heather Henderson, President. From Cape Breton Regional Health Care Committee: Brian Slaney. From Nova Scotia Government Employees Union: David Peters, President. From Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: Joanne Mutton, Vice-President.

Elaine Price and Don Holloway each made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:00 o'clock a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:14 o'clock a.m., the sitting resumed.

Ian Donovan made a statement and answered questions.

Steven Boyce made a statement and, with Ian Donovan, answered questions.

At 10:09 o'clock a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:48 o'clock a.m., the sitting resumed.

Joanne Mutton, David Peters, Heather Henderson, Fiona Chin-Yee, Brian Slaney and Robert Chisholm each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:00 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997
(Meeting No. 54)

The Standing Committee on Industry met, in a videoconference session, at 3:30 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard, Bernard Patry, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: In Prince Edward Island: From the PEI Health Coalition: Mary Boyd, Chair. From the PEI Senior Citizens Federation: Gary Naylor, Secretary. From Alert P.E.I.: Brian Curley.

In Manitoba: From the Manitoba Nurses' Union: Vera Chernicki, President. From the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada: Al Cirelli, President. From the Manitoba Society of Seniors Inc.: Mary Pankiw, President. From the Health Care Products Association of Manitoba: John Langstaff, Member. From the Manitoba Medicare Alert Coalition: Ellen Kruger, Co-Chairperson. From the Council of Canadians with Disabilities: Mel Graham, Communications Officer. From the Manitoba Federation Union of Retirees: John Pullen, President. From the Network of Retirees Organization: Bryant Gunhouse, Chair. As an individual: Sean Richens.

Gary Naylor, Mary Boyd and Brian Curley each made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:23 o'clock p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:54 o'clock p.m., the sitting resumed.

Mary Pankiw, Vera Chernicki, John Langstaff, Al Cirelli, Ellen Kruger, Mel Graham and Sean Richens each made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:24 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Susan Baldwin

Clerk of the Committee

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997
(Meeting No. 55)

The Standing Committee on Industry met in a videoconference at 7:13 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray and David Walker.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Nathalie Pothier, Research Officer.

Witnesses: In Saskatchewan: From the Saskatchewan Health Coalition: Ann Smart, Member. From the Saskatoon Community Clinic: Warren Peterson, Board Member. From the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism: Marjorie Willson, President. From the Canadian Union of Public Employees (Saskatchewan Division): Glen Makahonuk, President. From Moose Jaw-Thunder Creek District Health Board: Dale Holmberg, Member.

In British Colombia: From CAW, BC Office: Jef Keighley, National Representative; Spencer Mohart, Administrator, Health Coverage Program. From the Greater Vancouver Seniors Coalition: Joyce Jones, Chair; Ben Swanky, Member. From the Health Sciences Association of British Colombia: Faith Uchita, Communications Director. From the Hospital Employees' Union: Fred Miezia, President; Joey Hartman, Assistant to the President. From the British Columbia Nurses' Union: Mary Malerby, Vice-President.

The witnesses from Saskatchewan made opening statements and answered questions.

At 8:11 o'clock p.m., the Committee was suspended.

At 8:23 o'clock p.m., the Committee resumed.

The witnesses from British Colombia made opening statements and answered questions.

At 9:31 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Georges Etoka

Committee Clerk

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1997
(Meeting No. 56)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 3:30 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Philip Mayfield, Ian Murray and David Walker.

Other Member present: Alex Shepherd.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format From Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute: Ron Thorpe, Program Consultant. From Apotex Fermentation Inc.: David Cox, President and CEO. From the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada: Larry Wagg, First Vice-President; Ronald Lang, Eastern Ontario Representative. From The Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Timothy E. Reid, President; Bill Mayo, Legal Department, Newbridge Networks Corporation.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 5:50 o'clock p.m., the Committee was suspended.

At 6:05 o'clock p.m., the Committee resumed.

At 6:50 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1997
(Meeting No. 57)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 7:00 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard and David Walker.

Other Member present: Alex Shepherd.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers. Allan S. Alenxandroff, Advisor.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: From Coalition for Biomedical & Health Research: Barry McLennan, Chair and Assistant Dean, Research, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan; Michel Bergeron, Member of the Board, and President of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, Chair, Department of Microbiology, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Qc. From Queen's University: Mark Bisby, Professor and Head Department of Physiology. From Clinical Trials Atlantic Corporation: Peter M. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer. From The Association of Canadian Medical Colleges: Arnie Aberman, Council of Deans. From the University of British Columbia: Bernard H. Bressler, Vice-President Research. From the Association of Deans of Pharmacy of Canada: Robert Goyer, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal. From the University of Montreal: René Simard, Rector; Suzanne Bisaillon, Professor of Pharmacy.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 9:10 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Eugene Morawski

Committee Clerk

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1997
(Meeting No. 58)

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 9:00 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Philip Mayfield, Ian Murray, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.

Acting Members present: Grant Hill for Jay Hill, Alex Shepherd for Walt Lastewka, Claude Bachand for Réal Ménard and Osvaldo Nunez for Yves Rocheleau.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers.

Witnesses: Roundtable format: As individuals: Michael Rachlis; Philip Berger. From National Anti-Poverty Organization: Lynne Toupin, Executive Director; Mike Farrell, Assistant Director. From the Urban Community of Montreal: Amara Ouerghi, Advisor to the President; Bernard Paquet, President, Economic Development Commission; Jean-François Brucel, Office of the Economic Development. From Sandy Hill Community Health Centre: Kapil Khatter, Board Member; Wendy Muckle, Director, Health Services. From Project Genesis: David Alper, Community Organizer; Ruth Friedman, Member; From the Ottawa-Carleton Health Coalition: Francis Arbour, Development Consultant; Linda Lalonde, Member. From Community Coalition on Health Care (NDG Montreal): Donald Baird, Chairman; Debbie Ferguson, Member. From the ``Coalition Solidarité-Santé (Montréal)'': Claude St-Georges. From the Alliance for Public Accountability: Michèle Brill-Edwards, Member of the Advisory Board. From Council for Canadians: Maude Barlow, Volunteer National Chairperson; Peter Bleyer, Executive Director.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (see Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).

Philip Berger, Michael Rachlis, Mike Farrell and Bernard Paquet each made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:10 o'clock a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:50 o'clock a.m., the sitting resumed.

On motion of Morris Bodnar, it was agreed,--That the Chairman be authorized in conjunction with the Clerk to organize working meals to be paid for from the Committee budget.

On motion of Morris Bodnar, it was agreed,--That John B. Dossetor be hired as Advisor to the Committee for a total of $10,000 during its review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992.

Claude Bachand moved,--That Pierre Brien be elected Vice-Chair (Opposition) of the Committee.

The motion was agreed to on the following division:

YEAS

Claude Bachand
Oswald Nunez
Morris Bodnar
Alex Shepherd
Pierre Brien
Joseph Volpe--(7)
Ian Murray

NAYS

Grant Hill
Werner Schmidt--(3)
Philip Mayfield

The witnesses resumed answering questions.

At 11:36 o'clock a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:43 o'clock a.m., the sitting resumed.

David Alper, Kapil Khatter, Francis Arbour, Debbie Ferguson, Donald Baird, Claude St-Georges, Michèle Brill-Edwards, and Maud Barlow each made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:15 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Susan Baldwin

Clerk of the Committee