I'm sharing the email I received from Katie at Valerie Bradford's office. It helps to clarity where we stand. Thank you to everyone that emailed the health minister. It's much appreciated. A reminder that the template is on the previous update for those who wish to email. Thanks so much! 

Hi Louise, 

All petitions that meet the guidelines – such as yours – require a government response within 45 days. For a government response to be “tabled,” it means that it is presented before the House of Commons for discussion or consideration.

It's important to know that these responses come directly from the relevant Minister or Parliamentary Secretary, such as this petition was responded to by The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. In this way, you can consider the “tabling of the response” as the government’s official position on the matter at hand.

Your petition was productive in that it formally clarified the government’s position, which is helpful for further action. Not only was the issue of requiring a mandatory psychotropic drugs safety waiver raised to the Minister’s attention, but he was compelled to review it as the response demonstrated.

Simply put, this petition has the potential to inform future government action on mandatory psychotropic drugs safety waivers, as it has been escalated to their attention. Since the government response has been tabled, I will keep track of further discussion and consideration of this matter in the House. This could be in debate, at committee, or even in the form of future legislation. I am happy to keep you informed going forward.

Thank you for reaching out.

Best,

Katie