Ottawa, March 24, 2022 – Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), the association representing the country’s research-based pharmaceutical industry, welcomes the federal government’s renewed commitment to enhancing access to pharmaceutical drugs for all Canadians – regardless of age, income, or where they live in Canada.
“A national pharmacare program must build on the strengths of our current dual-market system and focus on improving access for the Canadians who need it most: the uninsured and underinsured,” said Pamela Fralick, President of IMC. “Any program must safeguard Canadians’ access to, at a minimum, the same level of cutting-edge medicines they rely on today.”
A pan-Canadian approach to pharmacare must also improve and accelerate access to new medicines for patients suffering from rare diseases, while strengthening Canada’s life sciences sector and ensuring a robust and competitive domestic pharmaceutical industry.
IMC looks forward to working with federal, provincial, and territorial governments and other stakeholders to create a pan-Canadian pharmacare system that benefits all Canadians.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada is the national association representing the voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. The association advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians and supports the members’ commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. The association represents 49 companies who invest nearly $1.2 billion in R&D annually, fueling Canada’s knowledge-based economy, while contributing $8 billion to Canada’s economy. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
