Join Us
Join Us
Join Us
Back to top

Protecting Canada’s Health Future

Canada must be in charge of its own destiny.

Take Action
Join Us

The Problem

Canada’s health system is at a defining moment. Global changes in how medicines are priced and valued have exposed a critical vulnerability: Canada is not investing enough in health innovation.

While other countries have strengthened their life sciences sectors, Canada has relied on the status quo. As a result, we are less prepared for the global changes now under way.

These changes are already influencing which countries gain access to new medicines—and which are left behind. If Canada does not respond, Canadians risk losing access to life – saving treatments.

At the same time, research investment and clinical trials will move elsewhere, weakening our life sciences sector and the economy.

This is not a future we can afford.

The Problem

Canada’s health system is at a defining moment. Global changes in how medicines are priced and valued have exposed a critical vulnerability: Canada is not investing enough in health innovation.

While other countries have strengthened their life sciences sectors, Canada has relied on the status quo. As a result, we are less prepared for the global changes now under way.

These changes are already influencing which countries gain access to new medicines—and which are left behind. If Canada does not respond, Canadians risk losing access to life – saving treatments.

At the same time, research investment and clinical trials will move elsewhere, weakening our life sciences sector and the economy.

This is not a future we can afford.

The Impact


Addressing these global drug pricing changes cannot wait. Canada must act now or risk:

Worse patient outcomes as access to treatment is delayed or unavailable.

Greater strain on an already overburdened health system.

Growing health inequalities between regions and vulnerable populations.

Reduced preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Worse patient outcomes as access to treatment is delayed or unavailable.

Greater strain on an already overburdened health system.

Growing health inequalities between regions and vulnerable populations.

Reduced preparedness for future public health emergencies.

The Solution

Waiting to react while other countries lead is not a strategy. Canadians agree —we must be in charge of our own destiny.

The Solution

Waiting to react while other countries lead is not a strategy. Canadians agree —we must be in charge of our own destiny.

Research shows:

86%

believe the federal government should prioritize Canadians’ access to medicine

84%

agree that a resilient health system, with reliable access to medicines, is crucial to Canada’s strength and security

71%

believe Canada should contribute its fair share to global pharmaceutical innovation

Doing more of the same won’t work.
Canadians expect bold action. That means:

Overhauling outdated processes that delay patient care and slow innovation.

Creating an
environment that
fosters research,
investment, and clinical trials.

Committing to transformative investments in pharmaceutical innovation.

Delivering faster, more consistent access to new medicines across the country.

Overhauling outdated processes that delay patient care and slow innovation.

Creating an environment that fosters research, investment, and clinical trials.

Committing to transformative investments in pharmaceutical innovation.

Delivering faster, more consistent access to new medicines across the country.

Join the Community

Sign up below to help us build a stronger, healthier future for every Canadian.

By signing up, you agree to receive periodic emails from Medicine Matters Canada containing news, updates, and ways to get involved. Medicine Matters Canada is an initiative of Innovative Medicines Canada (“IMC”). These emails may be sent on IMC’s behalf by our service provider. You can unsubscribe at any time. Contact: Innovative Medicines Canada | 310-99 rue Bank St. Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 | info@imc-mnc.ca


Learn more about Strengthening Canadian Life Sciences

Waiting for New Medicines in Canada, Europe, and the United States

Learn more

Health Canada to Modernize Biologic Drug Submission

Learn more

Life on Hold – How Canada’s Drug Approval Delays Endanger Patients

Learn more