I am sorry, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Chair, I would like to ask the minister about patent protection. Most people know that the 20 year patent protection given to companies for new pharmaceuticals was given in exchange for a commitment from drug companies that they would indeed invest 10% of their profits in research and development.
A report just last week showed that this is the second if not the third year that the companies as a group have failed to meet their commitment. The group of companies has been averaging about 8% of their profits into R and D.
I want to ask the minister what if any sanctions he is planning for companies which consistently fail to live up to their bargain with the Government of Canada.