Mr. Speaker, on May 16, the 1996 Galien Canada Prize, the highest honour for pharmaceutical research in Canada, was awarded to Hoechst Marion Roussel Canada, of Laval, for the research and clinical studies the company has conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of the drug known as Sabril.
Research plays a leading role in our society, as it helps improve our quality of life while at the same time increasing our life expectancy and, just as important, reducing treatment costs.
Thanks to pharmaceutical companies, their breakthroughs and their entrepreneurship, Canada can be said to be a leader in pharmaceutical research.
I am proud to associate myself with all Canadians and Quebecers in congratulating the entire staff at Hoechst Marion Roussel Canada and thanking them for their perseverance, determination and professionalism.