moved for leave to introduce Bill C-454, an act to amend the Patent Act (patented medicines).
Mr. Speaker,with Canadians being concerned about the high price of drugs, the bill is intended to repeal provisions of the Patent Act, patented medicines, that enable brand name pharmaceutical manufacturers to initiate automatic injunctions against generic drug companies for alleged patent infringement. Of course under the current regulations a brand name pharmaceutical manufacturer can claim there has been infringement on its drug patent without the need for evidence to suggest that it has actually occurred. This is unique not only in terms of most nations around the world but indeed under the Patent Act. The bill is intended to repeal just that.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)