Quebec's Biopharmaceutical Strategy - Quebec continues to distinguish itself

KIRKLAND, QC, Oct. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Pfizer Canada enthusiastically welcomes the Quebec's Biopharmaceutical Strategy unveiled this afternoon by the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Mr. Clément Gignac. In addition to recognizing the major contribution by the biopharmaceutical industry, the Quebec government is once again demonstrating its desire to strengthen its leadership and offer the industry a competitive and stimulating environment.

Over the past few years, the Quebec government has played a proactive role in supporting the industry, be it through the Quebec Government's Economic Development Strategy, the Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy, or the implementation of the Drug Policy. "Quebec's Biopharmaceutical Strategy is an additional lever, and in recognizing the importance of increasing productivity and working in partnership, it clearly articulates the government's vision," said Paul Lévesque, President of Pfizer Canada .

Supporting a leading sector of Quebec's economy

Quebec's Biopharmaceutical Strategy proposes structuring initiatives to enable the industry to exploit its full growth potential, to improve its positioning both nationally and internationally, and to eventually contribute to the creation of wealth.

The meetings scheduled with Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) officials to update and complete the implementation of the Drug Policy and the setting up of the Permanent Exchange Forum, which will bring together industry leaders and representatives of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) and MSSS, are of major importance. This latter, long-awaited initiative reaffirms the need to work cohesively and in partnership to find solutions and ways to implement them in order to develop and maintain an attractive and competitive business environment. The first meeting, which is to take place very shortly, should already give significant impetus to Quebec's Biopharmaceutical Strategy.

"We should applaud the vision of the government, which today is taking an important step to making Quebec one of the jurisdictions in the world most open to the biopharmaceutical industry. We are Quebec's ambassadors to our global headquarters, and today's announcement sends a clear signal that the Quebec government is once again willing and eager to stimulate innovation and create lasting synergies," concluded the President of Pfizer Canada .

About Pfizer Canada

Pfizer Inc. is the world's leading pharmaceutical company. Pfizer invests more than $7 billion annually to discover and develop life-saving and life-enhancing medications for humans and animals. The company's Canadian operation, Pfizer Canada Inc., is one of the largest contributors to health research in Canada . Pfizer Canada and its cross-Canada team of 1,400 employees are working together for a healthier world. Pfizer Canada's commitment to helping Canadians live happier, healthier and longer lives extends well beyond the brand-name medications that it offers. Its commitment is reflected in everything it does, from its disease awareness initiatives to its community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada's 'more than medication' philosophy and program, visit www.morethanmedication.ca.

For further information: Julie-Catherine Racine, Pfizer Canada, [phone], [email protected]