Ottawa, December 4, 2025 — Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) congratulates the Government of Québec on the launch of the new Québec Life Sciences Strategy (QLSS). This third iteration underscores the industry’s strategic role in strengthening Québec’s economic competitiveness, enhancing its international attractiveness, and improving patient access to therapeutic innovations.
The global economic and political context is changing rapidly. The most-favoured-nation clause currently being considered by the United States could, in the short term, have major repercussions for global supply chains, research and development (R&D), and the adoption of innovation.
IMC therefore welcomes a strategy that—amid mounting international pressures—acknowledges the essential role of the innovative pharmaceutical industry in creating skilled jobs and driving the dynamism of the research and innovation ecosystem.
IMC identifies three measures as especially noteworthy:
· Creating a forum for strategic dialogue, to enable industry and government representatives to address challenges related to innovative drug access and collaboration with the research ecosystem.
· Optimizing access to innovative medicines, to improve care and foster investment.
· Conducting an evaluation of the entire process for listing medications, to shorten delays and accelerate access to therapeutic innovations.
“The new QLSS demonstrates Québec’s firm commitment to healthcare innovation. By strengthening collaboration with industry, the province is cultivating a more attractive and competitive ecosystem—one that is betterpositioned to meet patients’ needs.” Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO, IMC.
IMC reaffirms its commitment to working constructively with government and industry partners so that innovations can reach Québec patients more rapidly.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is the national association representing Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. IMC advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. It also champions its members’ commitment to being trusted partners in the Canadian healthcare system. IMC represents 47 member companies that invest $3.2 billion in R&D annually, fueling Canada’s knowledge-based economy and contributing $18.4 billion per year to the Canadian economy. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
For more information: media@imc-mnc.ca.
