Federal task force report marks important step for Canada’s life sciences sector
Ottawa, July 24, 2026 – Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) acknowledges today’s publication of the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector Task […]
Access to medicine
Timely access to new medicines saves lives, improves health outcomes, reduces pressure on the healthcare system, boosts economic productivity, and helps make Canada a more attractive destination for future investment and innovation.
The problem
Two years is too long.
Canadian patients wait an average of two years for access to approved new medicines through public drug plans. In most peer countries, patients gain access to approved new medicines more than a year sooner.
The impact
Canadians, our health systems and our economy pay the price.
Delays in patient access to medicines lead to:
- Reduced life sciences investment, fewer clinical trials, and fewer drug launches
- Increased strain on health systems and health human resources
- Missed opportunities to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
The opportunity
Faster access for all.
Provincial and territorial governments can take two immediate steps to significantly reduce delays:
- Eliminate the five-month delay between CDA and pCPA.
- Commit to listing new medicines on public drug plans within 30 days of a completed pCPA negotiation.
Why Access Matters
Cervical cancer affects approximately 1,400 women in Canada annually
Why Access Matters
Approximately 9,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma annually
Why Access Matters
Approximately 460,000 Canadians live with RA
Why Access Matters
Hepatitis C affects approximately 11,000 Canadians each year
HPV
Melanoma
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Stay informed
Latest news and resources.
Explore the latest developments related to access to medicine in Canada.
NEWS
IMC Welcomes Premiers’ Call for Sustainable Healthcare Funding
Ottawa, July 23, 2026 – Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) welcomes today’s call from Canada’s Premiers, issued at the Council of […]
Federal Budget Statement
November 4, 2025 (Ottawa)—Today’s federal budget outlined ambitious plans to reduce government spending while making generational investments to strengthen Canada’s […]
Access to Medicine
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026-2027 New Brunswick Budget
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador Budget
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026 Ontario Budget January 2026
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026 Alberta Budget
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2026 Nova Scotia Budget
2025 Cost Drivers Report
The private drug insurance market in Canada saw a 7.3% total cost growth in 2023-2024, primarily driven by increased utilization which accounted for 60% of total cost growth. The number of claimants rose by 3.5%, with claimants making
0.9% more claims.
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget
Canadian Drug Access Pathway
The process for Canadians to access new medicines is extremely complex and involves several different federal, provincial, and territorial agencies. It takes two years following approval (736 days) for Canadian patients to get access to a drug in the public plan, whereas those in the private plan get access to a drug in less than one year (226 days).
Newsroom
Breaking down key developments in the life sciences sector for members, policy influencers, and Canadians.
About
Learn how our member companies, which range from early-stage startups to established organizations, are advancing healthcare through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines.
