I do believe there is a relationship. Without pointing fingers at any particular government, for decades now it's not been an, I'd say, “ideal” relationship. The life sciences sector writ large—the pharmaceutical industry is one part of that—has not been viewed as the contributor to the health and the economy of the country that we feel it should be.
Despite multiple attempts on the part of the industry, from our global CEOs—this is a global industry—pre-pandemic, global leaders were concerned about some of the measures being taken by the current government. They had reached out in an effort to find that more balanced approach that we're seeking. We understand there are sustainability issues for the cost of drugs, but there's a huge value to the economy as well. Our global CEOs have reached out to meet with Mr. Trudeau, Ms. Freeland and others on at least four occasions over the last three years, but they have not been successful in that regard.
I should say, by the way, that the Canadian CEOs have also worked very hard over the last few years to engage with the government and to have a more productive conversation about how we can work together but with.... I was going to say “limited success”, but “no success” is probably more legitimate.
Yes, when you don't have a relationship with the industry, it is difficult to achieve some of your other options. The industry does not see Canada as an attractive country in many ways, from regulatory, access, IP and data protection perspectives, to come and invest in the country. While the government did do a good job of procuring through contractual agreements, actually getting a lot of vaccines into the country and being at the top of the list simply have not been happening.