Ottawa, March 26, 2021 – Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), welcomes the Quebec budget’s emphasis on innovation, health, and economic recovery. “As a driving force for health research and one of Quebec’s economic strengths, the innovative pharmaceutical industry reiterates its willingness to collaborate on improving access to medicines and vaccines, fighting the pandemic, stimulating the growth of the life sciences sector, and supporting Quebec’s economic recovery,” she stated.
IMC commends the Government of Quebec for the additional funding announced for public health, the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé, pharmaceutical services and medications, and innovation and research infrastructure. Quebec’s life sciences ecosystem is equally encouraged by the creation of innovation zones.
IMC reiterates the importance of ensuring improved alignment in public policy and encourages the Government of Quebec to continue its efforts to facilitate a dialogue with the federal government on drugs, vaccines, and life sciences. “It is time that the federal government have a real conversation about a Canadian life sciences strategy and suspend the implementation of its drastic, unilateral reform of patented medicine prices until a more thoughtful and coherent balance can be struck,” said Ms. Fralick.
The association also urges the Quebec government, for the benefit of patients, to follow through on its election promise to reduce the time it takes to approve drugs and make them accessible.
In these exceptional times, IMC is proud to represent an industry that has demonstrated unprecedented efficiency and commitment. “There are many lessons to be learned from this global tragedy, but one of the most important is the power of collaboration. We were there when the Quebec government identified priorities and niches of excellence and we will be there when the Québec Life Sciences Strategy is renewed and deployed,” Ms. Fralick added.
Quebec’s innovative pharmaceutical industry
The pharmaceutical research industry contributes $4.8-billion to the Quebec economy and generates 37,000 high-quality jobs in the province. Fifty per cent of its Canadian headquarters are based in Quebec and more than 40 per cent of its research and development conducted in Canada is led in Quebec.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members’ commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.
