Statement made on 27 October 2009 by Senator James Cowan
Hon. James S. Cowan (Leader of the Opposition):
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Last Thursday, I asked the government leader several serious questions about the H1N1 pandemic threat. I asked for a clear statement as to the advice the government was giving Canadians with respect to the H1N1 vaccine and the annual seasonal flu vaccine. I asked the leader to detail the government's plan to ensure that as many Canadians as possible receive the H1N1 vaccine. The minister did not answer either question.
Instead of having the courage to stand as the government's representative in this place and answer, Senator LeBreton chose to accuse me of fear-mongering and spreading false information, and then muttered crude personal insults from her seat — insults which can now be found in the Debates of the Senate of last Thursday.
Honourable senators, the issues surrounding the H1N1 pandemic and the vaccine are serious and of real and immediate concern to Canadians. This weekend, the media reported that Canadians are confused about what they should do to protect themselves and their families.
Yesterday's Globe and Mail reported a poll which found that opposition to the vaccination has grown sharply, with a majority — 51 per cent — saying they would not get the shots, up from 38 per cent in July. Does the minister believe that all of these Canadians are fools?
I am not surprised that Canadians are confused and divided over whether or not to take the vaccine. Canadians are having trouble trusting this government with the critical matter of their health and well-being because this government refuses to be honest and forthright with Canadians.
Indeed, the conduct of the Leader of the Government in the Senate last week was another example of her government's preference to engage in petty, partisan politics, rather than truly lead and be honest with Canadians.
Some Hon. Senators: Oh, oh.
Senator Cowan: This is not a laughing matter, Senator LeBreton.
What will the government do to reassure Canadians that the vaccine now being administered is safe for their use? We know that tens of millions of dollars have been spent by the government to inform Canadians about its Economic Action Plan. How much money is being spent by this government to inform Canadians about H1N1?
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