(May 26, 2023, St. John’s) – Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services, and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, today is calling on the Minister to clarify comments made in the House of Assembly regarding a CBC National report on “Dose-Splitting” of eye medications.

During Question Period, the Minister said, “…we’re not aware of dose splitting happening and being shipped into the province.” However, this contradicts reporting by the public broadcaster earlier in May.

The CBC National report quotes both a lawyer with 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical law and a provincial government official that these types of products have been distributed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dinn says, “The Minister needs to clarify his comments on the issue of dose splitting medications entering Newfoundland and Labrador considering the reporting by CBC National. The public broadcaster has clearly reported that these types of medications arrived in the province, but the Ministers comments contradict this reporting.”

“It’s important that the Minister provide public commentary either dismissing the reporting of the public broadcaster or to correct the record. His statement in the legislature, and the reporting referenced, can’t both be true.”

-30-

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca