Speech – 2018.12.12 – Bill C-316 Vote

PARLIAMENTARY SPEECH

Bill C-316 – Organ & Tissue Donation
3rd Reading Vote

December 12, 2018

Mr. Len Webber (Calgary Confederation, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I will be brief as well

In the week since we have debated this legislation, five more Canadians have died awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Delays are costing lives at a rate of five per week.

Bill C-316 has been unanimously supported through a health committee study and it has been unanimously supported by all parties at second reading. The bill was unanimously supported by health committee when it reviewed it. Bill C-316 has had all-party unanimous support in every single vote it has faced to date.

In a moment the Speaker will ask for a unanimous decision on the bill. If it passes on a unanimous voice vote, the changes will make the 2019 tax return. If someone forces a recorded vote, this will not take place until next year and we will miss that 2019 deadline. The changes will only be on 2020 tax returns. In that year, 250 Canadians will die waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Bill C-316 will be the last private member’s bill debated in this Chamber for a very long time.

Everything that needs to be said has been said. Everything I wanted to say I have said. There is nothing more really to be said.