Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to all the witnesses who are here.
In my eyes, as a doctor, it is clear that we have a very significant problem. I have two questions and the witnesses should feel free to respond to them.
First of all, why was it the FDA that raised the alarm bells regarding these facilities that don't meet health criteria? Are American standards more exacting, stricter than Canadian standards?
Secondly, let's look at the situation in other countries. We know that the United States has a law, referred to as the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which compels drug manufacturers to inform, without delay, the FDA of any incidents that could cause a drug shortage, once the decision has been made to cap or halt the production of drugs. In New Zealand, pharmaceutical manufacturers have a contractual obligation to inform the Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand, which is an independent crown corporation reporting to the Department of Health, when stocks fall below the two-month supply level or they become aware of a possible shortage.
Do you believe that Canada should intervene in a similar fashion? What would be the impact of such a law on our system? Instead of having a voluntary reporting system, do you not think that we should have a mandatory reporting system here in Canada?
Thank you.