Quebec City, March 27, 2025 – Amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Quebec released their 2025-26 budget on Tuesday with focus on economic stability while preserving essential services in health and education. Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), the national voice of the innovative pharmaceutical industry, welcomes the renewal of Quebec’s Life Sciences Strategy (2025-2028). IMC also applauds Quebec’s 2025-26 budget commitment of $1.5 billion ($300 million each year for five years) to support pharmaceutical treatments in hospitals.
Furthermore, IMC is hopeful that the nearly $400 million increase to the Health and Social Services portfolio will also help address Quebec’s growing gap in patient access to innovative therapies. Currently, Quebec patients on public plans have access to only 20% of biopharmaceutical innovations available. Both Canada and Quebec continue to lag other countries when it comes to the availability and timely access to new medicines. IMC looks forward to working with the government to ensure Quebec patients receive the innovative treatments they need when they need them.
“IMC commends the Quebec government’s commitment to improving access to hospital treatments. These pharmaceutical innovations are vital to the health and well-being of Quebecers and play a crucial role in easing pressure on the healthcare system, particularly through groundbreaking treatments like oral oncology drugs and cell and gene therapies.”
Bettina Hamelin, President, Innovative Medicines Canada
An Additional $54M Over Three Years for Quebec Life Sciences Strategy
Quebec has been a cornerstone of Canada’s life sciences ecosystem. IMC is pleased to see an additional $54 million over three years dedicated to its renewed Life Sciences Strategy, a signal that the Quebec government remains committed to the sector. In an environment where the pharmaceutical sector faces potential tariff threats, IMC encourages the government to strengthen its support and to attract partnerships that would bolster its commitment. This is a time to build a strong life sciences industry in Quebec.
“The life sciences sector is a major engine of Quebec’s economy, on par with the aeronautics industry in its importance. Given the risks posed by potential tariff measures, it’s more important than ever for the government to strengthen its partnership with our industry. As the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed, our sector is not only vital to the economy but most importantly to the health and well-being of society.”
Bettina Hamelin, President, Innovative Medicines Canada
The budget also includes other important measures for the sector such as:
- $1.5B over five years to offset the rising costs of pharmaceutical treatments;
- $268.7M over five years for health prevention;
- $243.7M for expanding vaccination among vulnerable populations;
- $15M for the implementation of the national integrated health prevention strategy;
- $10M for the deployment of spinal muscular atrophy screening;
- $1.5M over five years to reduce barriers and delays in accessing data for research purposes;
- $37.5M over five years to train more doctors; and
- $15M over three years to support research and innovation in businesses in priority sectors including life sciences and health technologies.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is the national association representing Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. The industry proudly supports over 100,000 high-value jobs, contributes a total of $16 billion to the economy, sponsors the majority of clinical trials in Canada, and invests close to $3 billion in research and development each year. IMC advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. The association and its members are committed to being solutions-oriented partners in Canada’s healthcare system and have contributed over $30 million towards applied health systems research through the Health Research Foundation (HRF). Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
For further information: media@imc-mnc.ca
