223. The Government of Canada considers access to medicines to be a key priority in our ongoing efforts to promote global health and prosperity, and welcomes the attention that the Report of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines has drawn to this important issue.
224. The Government of Canada continues to review the detailed Report of the High-Level Panel and its various recommendations. For Canada, these recommendations touch upon a variety of complex domestic policies, laws, and regulations, not only in respect of IP, but also areas such as pricing, public funding for research and development, governance, accountability, and transparency, and which fall under the responsibility of a variety of Federal Government departments and agencies.
225. While there are a number of recommendations that are not in line with our current practice, there are also other recommendations that may be consistent with the Government of Canada’s approach to the promotion of access to medicines and which we continue to reflect upon. The Government of Canada will therefore require further time to consider the Report’s recommendations in more detail. At the same time, Canada is pleased to participate in discussions on this issue today.
226. Canada recognizes that improving access to medicines needs to be achieved through the promotion of health equity, stronger health systems, and universal health coverage. Indeed, Canada’s international development priorities and significant investments in strengthening health systems and the health and rights of women and children are contributing to improved access in this regard.
227. Canada is a global leader in supporting partnerships such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the Global Drug Facility; and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, which strengthens health systems and provides targeted programming to increase access to medicines and vaccines. In September 2016, Canada hosted the Fifth Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund, and pledged CAD $804 million (or roughly USD $613 million) for 2017 to 2019. Canada is also the sixth largest donor to Gavi, having pledged CAD $520 million (or USD $396 million) for the 2016-2020 period.
228. Once again, Canada is pleased to be part of the discussion on this important issue, and to have the opportunity to share our own experiences on the promotion of access to medicines. Along these lines, Canada looks forward to learning more about the views of other Members as they continue to reflect on the various recommendations made in the Report of the High-Level Panel.
