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Bill C-473

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SUMMARY

This enactment provides for the development of a plan for the supply of drugs to protect the public from biological or biochemical aggression by means of terrorism or warfare. The plan includes provision for the necessary powers, reasonable compensation to drug suppliers, and a proposal for any amendments to the Patent Act required to put the plan into effect. The plan is to be laid before the House of Commons and referred to a standing committee.

To allow the protection plan to be developed by the Ministers of Industry and Health and considered by Parliament, the Governor in Council is empowered, for an interim period of one year, to order the provision of biochemical protection drugs at a price based on their incremental cost plus a reasonable profit. This temporary authority operates notwithstanding the Patent Act, but those affected may appeal the price in the Federal Court.

The enactment also provides for a Canadian initiative to fight epidemic diseases, including HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis, through an international program to make drugs available at incremental cost and provide the necessary health education in countries that have or are threatened with epidemic diseases.

It requires the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in co-operation with the Ministers of Industry and Health, to convene an international conference of developed nations to consider and propose a program of international assistance through the supply of epidemic disease drugs with the cooperation of drug manufacturers.