HESA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Health met in camera at 8:47 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Ben Lobb, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Committee undertake a study of no more than five meetings on the scientific evidence related to the health risks and harms associated with the use of marijuana; that the Committee begin this study on Thursday, May 1, 2014, with a briefing from government officials; that witnesses invited for the purposes of this study be either recognized experts with significant peer reviewed publications in top medical and scientific journals, a representative of an association or college involved in the regulation of the practice of medicine, or recognized drug treatment experts; that the study focus on the following two areas associated with this subject: (a) the state of knowledge around the health risks of marijuana use, including addiction and its effects on the developing brain; and (b) the level of awareness among Canadians of the health risks and harms associated with marijuana use; that business referred to the Committee by the House such as government legislation or estimates take precedence in scheduling over this study; and that the Committee report its findings to the House of Commons.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee make the necessary arrangements for a working lunch on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, with Dr. Hermengild Mayunga and officials from RESULTS Canada.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $ 39,500, for the study of best practices and federal barriers related to the scope of practice and skills training of healthcare professionals, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.

At 9:26 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.