Could I add something?
I'd just relate it to something.
We established the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, representing the first ministers of each province and now the federal government. The alliance's function is primarily to negotiate the price of generic medications. With Quebec, and now also the federal government, joining the alliance, we now have much greater bargaining power. With generic medications, the positive effect of volume purchasing can be reflected in the prices we are able to negotiate.
As for the price of innovative medications, negotiating lower prices is difficult, if only because they are patented. It is still possible, by means of confidential product listing agreements. These are becoming more and more common, especially with private insurers.
I agree with Ms. Flood. It has also been suggested that private insurers should join the alliance in order to increase the negotiating power. While still keeping a hybrid, public-private scheme, it is possible to interest private insurers in the negotiations in order to facilitate the purchase of a greater volume at a consequently lower price.