Health committee  In the six years that I managed the Ontario drug benefit program, I heard every single argument that's been made around this table. These programs have been controversial for decades, and they will continue to be controversial. The fact that we have different ways of making decis

Health committee  I would just mention that as of five years ago—and I am a bit out of date, because that's when I retired from government—there was actually more industry in Ontario. If you look at the brand names and the generics, I think in Ontario we had maybe about 60%. I just want to point o

Health committee  On David's and my behalf, I would like to again emphasize the need for increased transparency in whatever we do, whether it's through CDR, CEDAC, or anyone around this table.

Health committee  I think David and I mentioned an independent review. We were again thinking along the lines of transparency and the fact that CEDAC and CDR must remain relevant to all stakeholders. You only maintain your relevancy if people in fact understand what you do and you're open about it

Health committee  I'm completely retired and don't receive any money from any company at all.

Health committee  I just want to say that David and I had proposed that in fact CDR be increased in terms of the clinical expertise that was used at the table for certain drug discussions, and it's very much in line with what Dr. Miyasaki said.

Health committee  A wee bit more slowly?

Health committee  My apologies. In addition, then, to a regular review of CDR and its activities, we would also suggest that individual direct programs, expert advisory committees, should be the subject of regular review to make sure that, on an ongoing basis, individual drug programs are not dup

Health committee  What I'll do then is jump to some recommendations that we prepared, and I'll try to speak fairly quickly. As CDR expands its mandate, role, and operations, everything should be subject to regular independent review to ensure that it remains efficient, effective, and relevant to