From: brewnoser2@gmail.com   
      
   The Trudeau government can also play at 'our citizens first'. Nicely timed   
   with the covid vaccine restrictions.   
   ________________________________   
   Sunday, November 29, 2020   
      
   Canada bans exports of some prescription drugs as U.S. readies for imports   
      
   TORONTO -- Canada has banned the export of some prescription drugs that are at   
   risk of shortage in response to a U.S. plan to import medications from the   
   country.   
      
   The federal government announced the ban on Saturday, saying certain drugs are   
   prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that   
   sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage.   
      
   Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement that companies will now also   
   be required to provide information to assess existing or potential shortages,   
   when requested, and within 24 hours if there is a serious or imminent health   
   risk to Canadians.   
      
   "Drug shortages remain a global challenge and COVID-19 has increased demand   
   for certain drugs, adding to the complexity of ensuring drug supply where it   
   is needed. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure   
   Canadians have access    
   to the medications they need, when they need them," Hajdu said in the   
   statement.   
      
   Hajdu added that Canada sources 68 per cent of its drugs from overseas and it   
   is important to avoid any disruptions to supplies.   
      
   Although the government didn't specifically say which drugs are affected by   
   this announcement, it did suggest criteria for whether exportation of a drug   
   will be allowed, including whether the product is listed as a Tier 3 drug   
   shortage, if there are    
   shortages in any other markets, whether there is an expected increase in   
   demand and supply chain factors.   
      
   The Canadian ban went into effect on Friday, days before an executive order in   
   the U.S. would allow American pharmacists and wholesalers to import some bulk   
   prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market.   
      
   The "Importation Prescription Drugs" rule, issued by U.S. President Donald   
   Trump in July and set to take effect on Monday, is intended to lower drug   
   prices for Americans but comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has   
   increased demand for some    
   medicines.   
      
   U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has also spoken of allowing U.S. imports of   
   prescription medicine from other countries as part of his plans to lower drug   
   prices when he takes office on Jan. 20.   
      
   While prescription drug prices in Canada are higher than other nations, they   
   are cheaper than the U.S.   
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^   
      
   However, Canadian officials have repeatedly stated that the executive order   
   would not be an effective approach to reducing drug prices in the U.S. as the   
   Canadian market only represents 2 per cent of global pharmaceutical sales,   
   compared to 44 per cent    
   for the U.S.   
      
   Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September that he is willing to help   
   other nations with pharmaceutical supplies if possible, but said his priority   
   is protecting the needs of Canadians first.   
      
   Hajdu maintained that ensuring Canadians have access to the medications they   
   need is a "top priority" of the federal government.   
      
   "Our health care system is a symbol of our national identity and we are   
   committed to defending it. The actions we are taking today will help protect   
   Canadians’ access to the medication they rely on," Hajdu said in the   
   statement.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)