Health committee  I don't have data to speak specifically to that demarcation. I can certainly say that in the pharmaceutical world and in life sciences, we have been struggling to attract global investment to Canada over the last couple of years, and that continues, but that is related to the uncertainty and now, frankly, the devastating implications of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board changes that have been made, the regulatory changes.

Health committee  No, in our opinion, it hasn't. Our concerns remain the same. Our biggest driver in this industry is making sure that Canadians, patients, have access to the medicines they need. It sounds like a cliché, but there is no business without that outcome. What we are seeing is, again, the uncertainty and the lack of balance between cost-containment initiatives and a drive for investment in this country, which is affecting the global desire to invest in this country.

Health committee  Thank you, Dr. Neame. I would like to shift to a topic that I know is on the minds of many, and that's the potential for drug shortages as a result of COVID-19. IMC's membership consists of the pharmaceutical companies that discover, develop and deliver innovative new medicines, that is, brand-name prescription medicines.

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair and honourable members, for the opportunity to meet with you today. I'd like to start by acknowledging the efforts of the entire federal government to fight the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our economy. As a Canadian, I'm proud of how our government has risen to the challenge.