Evidence of meeting #25 for Health in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was drugs.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Attorney and Specialist in Medical Law, Ménard, Martin, Avocats, As an Individual
Currently, the obligation is contained in the regulations. We do not know how it is verified or applied by the government. It is in section 16 of the regulations.
Conservative
David Tilson Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
Yes.
On the issue of regulations in other jurisdictions, we have drugs coming from the United States, back and forth, and from Europe, back and forth. Does anyone have any philosophies or statements about what links should be made with these other jurisdictions? In some areas they have higher requirements and in some areas they are not as high.
Does anyone or everyone want to respond?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Brogan Inc.
In my experience, Health Canada is very well informed of what's going on in other jurisdictions regarding drugs.
Conservative
David Tilson Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
I'm sure they are. My question is whether there should be some formal links, agreements with other jurisdictions—with the European Union, with the United States, the provinces.
Attorney and Specialist in Medical Law, Ménard, Martin, Avocats, As an Individual
Obviously, I believe that these types of agreements are needed. In other countries, there are a certain number of agreements that acknowledge drug certification, for instance. Certain processes are approved in Australia, Japan, and countries of the European Union, for example. It is clear that with respect to regulation, we could very well assess what is being done with respect to some of the activities of pharmaceutical companies in the European Union, Japan, Australia and the United States. In certain respects, we could draw inspiration from foreign regulation and even look into sharing information and expertise with respect to the implementation of certain programs and regulatory processes, in the interest of uniformity and enhancing quality control. Companies may tend to seek certification in countries where requirements are not as stringent. There are benefits in seeking to standardize and align requirements, and in implementing comparable processes and regulations. That would also prevent companies from pitting governments against one another.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
Thank you very much.
I'd like to thank the witnesses.
I believe, Mr. Ménard, that Madame Gagnon has a question. We've run out of time, so she can ask it to you after committee. It is one o'clock, and another committee is coming in.
I would like to thank you very much for joining us in committee. You've given us some very good insights.
Attorney and Specialist in Medical Law, Ménard, Martin, Avocats, As an Individual
I will send Mrs. Gagnon a copy of my notes.
Conservative
Attorney and Specialist in Medical Law, Ménard, Martin, Avocats, As an Individual
I apologize not to have brought....
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
That's all right.
Madame Gagnon, Mr. Ménard will send you the notes.
The meeting is adjourned.