The New Democrats’ national director called the allegations “quite alarming” for the NDP, which struck a deal with the minority Liberals that includes a pledge to pass national pharmacare legislation by the end of this year.
OTTAWA—The NDP has called for a parliamentary investigation into allegations the Liberal government caved to corporate lobbyists who oppose changes to drug pricing reforms, as Ottawa faces pressure over the long-delayed process to rein in pharmaceutical costs.
“It is difficult enough for a sector-specific regulator to do its job in the face of a hostile industry. But when the government adds its voice to that of industry, all that lies before the regulator is an endless tunnel with no light,” wrote former board member Matthew Herder in his resignation letter this week.“As an independent quasi-judicial body, the minister does not provide direction to the PMPRB and cannot comment on the reason for the resignation,” the statement read.
Trudeau, meanwhile, dodged questions about the situation on Friday, stating only that his government is still committed to lowering drug prices while ensuring the pharmaceutical industry invests in Canada. Contacted Friday shortly after he announced his resignation as the board’s executive director, Clark — who remains as special adviser to the board — declined to comment when asked if his departure was linked to the controversy.on Twitter. “It was the best of times and the worst of times, but only highlights of the former stand out in my memory and the friendships forged in the latter will last a lifetime.
But the government dropped the latter two reforms last year after Quebec’s top court ruled they were unconstitutional. Innovative Medicines Canada, a lobby group for pharmaceutical companies,In his letter, Herder accused the government of failing to stand up for the reforms in court, by not seeking leave to appeal that ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada.
When asked about the matter on Friday, the group only reiterated it lobbies the government on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry., Canadians pay the third-highest drug prices among 31 wealthy countries, behind only the United States and Switzerland.at McMaster University, served on the board’s chair until his 10-year tenure ended in 2021.
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