QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Homeopathy
March 20, 2019
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Canada has built an international reputation for our championing of scientifically valid and ethically responsible global health work. We must ensure that everything we do in global health upholds that reputation.
Unfortunately, recent reports have identified that in Honduras, Global Affairs Canada has and continues to fund, promote and apply ineffective homeopathic remedies for Chagas disease, a debilitating infection that can otherwise be effectively treated. Homeopathy is to modern medicine as alchemy is to modern chemistry. Its use to treat infectious diseases is both medically wrong and ethically reprehensible.
I understand that several senators have written to the ministers responsible on this issue. What action are these ministers taking to immediately stop this travesty and to ensure that such ineffective, unscientific and unethical practices do not occur again?
I thank the honourable senator for his first question in the Senate, if my memory is correct. I look forward to other questions.
Given the nature of the specificity of the question and no advance notice, I will have to take note of the question. I would encourage senators, if they have concerns like this, to either raise them so that I can ensure that the minister’s attention is brought to their letters, or concerns that are raised in this Question Period can be brought to attention and I’ll report back.
