Senator Ringuette, you spoke at length about Quebec and social programs. Tell me, are you aware of Quebec’s social tax programs, which give the elderly, the vulnerable, unemployed youth, and newcomers awaiting status access to things like pharmacare and addiction treatment? Did you take such programs into account in your analysis of the situation in Quebec?

Senator Ringuette: Thank you for your question, senator. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, I see Quebec as being ahead of the other provinces on social programs.

However, I must say that I was disappointed with the results of my initial research into the ability of Quebecers to acquire medical marijuana with a prescription. Quite honestly, I wondered just how much of a hand pharmaceutical companies had in that.

I read the excellent presentation that former minister Benoît Pelletier made in which he said that this was complementary legislation.

However, we must keep in mind that it is our duty to ensure that bills are consistent with the Constitution and with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We know that the Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms apply not only to the Canadian Parliament, but also to every provincial and territorial legislature, as well as all Canadians. I prefer to tone down this situation.

Thank you.