moved for leave to introduce Bill C-338, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (process for approval of new drugs).
Mr. Speaker, this is an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act specifically in regard to the approval of new drugs, because we are concerned that the approval process in this country is too long and too laboured. What we are asking Canada to do is to at least adopt the model used by the European Community, where on average drugs are approved at least six months ahead of ours.
We are also asking that the minister transfer funds from his existing budget into the approval process to expedite the approval of drugs so needed in Canada to help fight disease. In fact, these new drugs will eventually reduce the costs of health care.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)