In Canada, pharmacists and other groups have warned Ottawa for months about the dangers of allowing the US to dip its hand into our drug supply. Diabetics in Canada have already had to deal with insulin shortages and right now three significant cancer drugs are in short supply.
In the past week, patient advocacy groups, pharmacist associations, physicians (oncologists, in particular) and organizations representing the pharmaceutical industry have all called on the federal government to do what is necessary to protect our somewhat fragile drug supply.
The US says that a pilot program could be underway soon and given its potential for disrupting Canadians’ access to their own drug supply, it seems that it would be prudent for the federal government to take proactive steps.
Yet, Ottawa seems to be taking a very “laissez-faire” approach to these developments, considering only reactive measures. The Ministry of Health admits it was not consulted by the US prior to its announcement. Despite the warnings and calls for action, including a demand to Parliament to deal with this, our Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor says they will be working closely with experts to “ensure there are no adverse effects” on Canada.
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