Mary Henry (Independent)

I am glad the Minister has included a provision that evidence may be given by video link. It can frequently be difficult to get witnesses who worked in a hospital at one stage but are now based in Toronto, Tierra del Fuego or elsewhere to appear before a committee. Therefore, I am glad this provision has been included.

Section 66(9)(a) provides that the records shall not be made available unless "the patient has consented in writing to the records being made so available". What is the position if a patient refuses to allow records to be made available but the partitioner considers it essential that they be made available?