News Release

April 20, 2005

Statement from Minister Dosanjh on opposition motion to compensate pre-1986 and post-1990 hepatitis C class

Our Government has always been sympathetic to the plight of Canadians infected with hepatitis C through the blood system. We recognize the burden it places on them and their families, and are committed to exploring all available options for providing compensation to them.

Today the Government will vote in favor of the motion before the House of Commons concerning hepatitis C compensation for those infected pre-1986 and post-1990, because the principle of the motion supports the actions we have taken and allows us to reaffirm our commitment.

Last November, the Government entered into discussions about options to provide compensation to this group because it was the right and responsible thing to do.

Discussions with legal counsel representing those infected began immediately, and are ongoing with the next meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

While we are supporting the motion, we do so recognizing its limitations.

The motion implies that the Government can immediately gain access to the 1986-1990 Settlement Fund. In fact, the fund belongs to the beneficiaries of the trust and is under the control of the courts and not the Government of Canada.

It must be understood that compensation can only be made once the appropriate information is available and these discussions have concluded.

We are working as quickly as possible to reach a successful conclusion that takes into account the actual and legal circumstances of the claimants. The negotiations are addressing these issues and all parties continue to work together in good faith to provide the necessary information upon which to base a compensation framework.

By our actions and by supporting this motion, the Government is showing its determination to reach a satisfactory outcome.

Media inquiries:
Adèle Blanchard
Office of Minister Dosanjh
Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200