HEAL Committee Report

I want to begin by thanking the members of the Committee and its Chair for good work well done. The support and professionalism of the Clerk and the research team are also very commendable.

The high quality of the report reflects the high quality of the witnesses. However, certain points do need be raised.

The activities prohibited by the draft legislation, which fall under the Criminal Code, should immediately be the subject of a separate law, which could be brought in by the Minister of Justice. In addition, we want research on embryonic stem cells to be included among the prohibited activities.

Donors (sperm, eggs and embryos)

The report says that "only donors who consent to have identifying information released to offspring should be accepted" (page 34 [?]) Recommendation 18 [19?] would put an end to all anonymity for donors.

We agree that a full medical and background history should be on file. We have however extremely strong reservations about doing away with anonymity. What will the consequences be for the number of donors? In our opinion, while donors should be required to disclose their medical history, their right to personal anonymity should be their own choice.

The question of shared responsibility is one that concerns us greatly. In our opinion, the provinces and territories should have to be involved. We do not at all share the hesitation raised in paragraph 1.91, on page 36.

The topics discussed in this report are too important, and should be the subject of in-depth consultations that could lead to a federal-provincial-territorial conference.