Health Minister Mark Holland has told U.S. officials Canada is disappointed with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to allow the import of some Canadian prescription drugs and that the country “will take all necessary measures” to protect its drug supply.
“I want to assure Canadians that they will continue to have access to medications they need when they need them. Canada has strong regulations in place to protect supply,” Holland said in a statement Tuesday.
His comments come more than a week after the FDA’s decision to approve the drug import plan put forth by the state of Florida.
Holland spoke with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen in a call on Jan. 12.
Becerra and Cohen told Holland that the U.S. is not trying to create drug shortages or interfere with Canada’s access to drugs, a readout from the federal government describing those discussions says. Cohen added that he understands and expected Canada to take action to safeguard its pharmaceutical supply.
Both U.S. officials and Holland said they will continue to communicate openly on the matter.
“Canadians can be confident that our government will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the drug supply in Canada,” Holland said.
On Jan. 8, Health Canada released a statement criticizing the FDA’s decision.
“Bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S.,” the health agency said.
“Health Canada has listened to Canadians and has consulted with industry stakeholders, pharmacists, provinces and territories, patient groups, and medical associations. All agree that the Canadian government must remain focused on ensuring a stable and adequate supply of prescription drugs for Canadians.”
TORONTO – Ontario is pushing through several bills with little or no debate, which the government house leader says is due to a short legislative sitting.
The government has significantly reduced debate and committee time on the proposed law that would force municipalities to seek permission to install bike lanes when they would remove a car lane.
It also passed the fall economic statement that contains legislation to send out $200 cheques to taxpayers with reduced debating time.
The province tabled a bill Wednesday afternoon that would extend the per-vote subsidy program, which funnels money to political parties, until 2027.
That bill passed third reading Thursday morning with no debate and is awaiting royal assent.
Government House Leader Steve Clark did not answer a question about whether the province is speeding up passage of the bills in order to have an election in the spring, which Premier Doug Ford has not ruled out.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024.
