News Releases

GCGPA Statement Regarding the Government of Canada Initiative to Allow the Export of Canadian-made Generic Medicines to Developing Countries in Health Crises

Toronto, October 1, 2003 – The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) is very pleased that the Government of Canada is responding to the request of the CGPA and many other organizations and individuals to allow Canadian generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to participate in the World Trade Organization’s landmark agreement to allow developing countries to import lower-cost generic pharmaceutical products to help combat health emergencies, such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Industry Minister Allan Rock has asked the CGPA to participate in consultations on the required amendments to Canada’s Patent Act, and the CGPA looks forward to working with the federal government to ensure the successful implementation of this key initiative.

The CGPA and its member companies appreciate the federal government’s recognition of the important role that high-quality, Canadian-made generic pharmaceuticals can play in providing lower-cost medicines to people in developing countries who desperately need them.

Many of the countries facing health crises such as HIV/AIDS do not have domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capability. In the past, member companies of the CGPA have indicated their capacity and desire to help meet the needs of these countries and now look forward to the removal of barriers that have prevented them from providing these life-saving medicines.

About the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association represents Canada’s generic drug industry – a dynamic group of companies that specialize in the production of high quality, affordable generic drugs and fine chemicals and in conducting the clinical trials required for government approval of generic drugs. It plays an important role in helping control overall healthcare costs by keeping the cost of medications down: generic drugs are priced, on average, 45% less than their brand-name equivalents.

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