Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to thank our Minister of Health, who was kind enough to make a presentation and answer our questions.
One issue is causing me great concern. I am talking about the comprehensive economic trade agreement that the European Union and Canada are currently negotiating. We are now at the ninth—and probably final—round of negotiations. It is of the utmost importance for us to know whether this agreement may have an impact on the price of medication, given that Europe is asking for a five-year extension on drug patents. That may increase the cost of medication by almost $3 billion. It may also delay generic drugs entering the market. That kind of medication is used by many sick people, especially those with cancer who, for the most part, no longer work and don't necessarily have enough money for patented medication.
Since 1985, the cost of prescription drugs has risen by 10% a year. If our government grants the Europeans' requests, access to medications will be compromised. That goes against the principle of accessibility set out in the Canada Health Act and against the commitment the Government of Canada has made to Canadians.
One of the 2004 health accord targets was to provide better coverage for expensive medication. If Canada grants Europe the patent extension in the economic agreement, all that will be jeopardized.
Do you promise to leave the issue involving patents out of the agreement?