International Trade Committee on Dec. 1st, 2016

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

As I have said, this is an issue on which we are consulting broadly and that my colleague, the Minister of Health, is working on.

I think it's very important for Canadians to understand that the impact of the new provisions in CETA on drug regulation will not fully take effect for a full eight years from the time that this agreement enters into force. It's important to be truthful with Canadians about that—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Agreed.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—and it is very important to appreciate that when it comes to drug prices, our government is very committed to working on that file, and it's important to understand that this is part of a broader drug pricing strategy—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Okay.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—and furthermore, that Canada does have high drug prices. It's something the government—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

I'm sorry. I have—

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—needs to work on and it is—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Minister, please. We only have five minutes.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

It is very important to appreciate—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

I have to ask, because—

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Hang on, hang on—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

—Health Canada was required to provide to the PBO—

[The Chair, Liberal, Mark Eyking]

Ms. Ramsey, I'm just holding the clock.

I wanted this to be a productive meeting. I asked the minister if she could keep her answers short and I asked MPs if they can let the minister finish her answer, and then we'll have a better dialogue going back and forth.

You have one minute remaining, Ms. Ramsey, and you have the floor.

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Thank you.

We know that Health Canada was required to provide one to the PBO study. Will you provide this to the committee and table all internal government studies around the analysis that you have?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

As I've said, on the impact of CETA on drug pricing, this agreement has been carefully structured so that the full impact is not felt for a full eight years.

As I think we are all aware, this is a very fast-moving space, particularly when it comes to new developments, when it comes to issues of biologics, when it comes to the trade-off between generic and brand name drugs. Our response to CETA very much needs to be, and will be, embedded in broader work that my colleague, the Minister of Health, is doing on—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Is that a “yes”?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—drug pricing.

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

Is that a “yes”?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

It is very important for Canadians not to be misled—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

I agree, so we're asking for the studies.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—and not to believe—

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

I agree.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—that our drug pricing issues are chiefly around trade agreements.

[Tracey Ramsey, NDP, Essex, ON]

So will you provide the studies?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

As I have said—