Discussion · Private Members' Business
Marcus Powlowski Liberal
“We do not want companies using this list instead of getting their drugs fully approved. Under this bill, the minister can ask why a company has not asked for approval, take the drug off the list, and perhaps fine the company.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for asking me another question in French. It is a good question, but I find it difficult to answer it in French. It might be better if I answered it in English. This is something that I struggled with. We do not want companies to have their drugs go on the pre-approved drug list rather than seeking approval for them. There are provisions that would allow the minister to require the company to give reasons why the companies are not seeking approval from Health Canada and to remove the drug from the pre-approved drug list if it thinks it is necessary. I contemplated the possibility of putting penalty provisions in if a company were to use this process to circumvent authorization by Health Canada—”
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for asking me another question in French. It is a good question, but I find it difficult to answer it in French. It might be better if I answered it in English. This is something that I struggled with. We do not want companies to have their drugs go on the pre-approved drug list rather than seeking approval for them. There are provisions that would allow the minister to require the company to give reasons why the companies are not seeking approval from Health Canada and to remove the drug from the pre-approved drug list if it thinks it is necessary. I contemplated the possibility of putting penalty provisions in if a company were to use this process to circumvent authorization by Health Canada—