In the coming weeks, the Standing Committee on Health will begin a study on prescription drugs. The Common Drug Review (CDR) has been conducting reviews since 2003 and has been making recommendations to the provinces as regards prescription drugs that should be covered by publicly- funded drug plans.
It could be said that this review process overlaps with processes that already exist in several provinces, thus duplicating responsibilities and costs.
It is recommended that the Standing Committee on Health write a letter to the Auditor General for Canada asking her to look into the mandate, costs, management and effectiveness of the CDR.
Mr. Chair, may I explain what—