Health committee  That's very interesting. Has that ever been implemented?

Health committee  That makes a lot of sense, because the whole existing business model is that it's because of the research investment and costs to develop that the cost of the drugs on the flip side.... It means you have some financial analysts sitting there on Excel just figuring out the break-even price.

Health committee  Just playing in hypothetical scenarios here, would there be a licensing agreement, or would there just be a handing over of the intellectual property, essentially?

Health committee  Okay.

Health committee  My last question is—

Health committee  It's a really good question. It's worth it.

Health committee  Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the witnesses for being here. My background is that of a corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer, Dr. Edwards. You gave your example of open science and how you started a company and your investors got a good return. You spoke about the importance of how these companies will be profitable but will not have extreme profits.

Health committee  Yes. I mean, that's up for debate, but I think the reason it will be very difficult to get buy-in is the fact that the majority of people out there.... I hate to stereotype individuals, but my background not just on Bay Street, but even in Brampton East, which I represent, tells me that people are out there to make money.

Health committee  I don't agree with that analogy from a public policy perspective.

Health committee  Thank you. A lot of Canadians don't know individuals with rare diseases. I'm a new member of this committee. Funding for rare diseases isn't something that comes up on a daily basis in my constituency office, or in the calls I receive, in emails or on social media. However, that doesn't mean it's not important.

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to all the witnesses for coming today. This is a very interesting discussion in terms of the role of government in this policy area. There are some very difficult decisions to be made. I was on the finance committee for three years. Everything was dollars and cents.