Statement - Health innovation a priority for Ontario, notes national pharmaceutical association

OTTAWA, Sept. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - On behalf of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D), association President Russell Williams issues the followed statement:

"On behalf of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical companies, I would like to congratulate William Charnetski on his appointment as Ontario's new Chief Health Innovation Strategist. Mr. Charnetski's skills and experience from across the healthcare sector will be invaluable assets as he works to further position Ontario as a leading centre for innovation in health technology and to ensure that technology is brought to market here Ontario and around the world.

I would also like to commend the Government of Ontario for acting quickly on this appointment, which is one of the recommendations of the Ontario Health Innovation Council's report. This action, along with the province's work the other recommendations from this report, is a clear signal of the Government of Ontario's commitment to health innovation in the province in the interest of high quality patient care, and the best possible health outcomes.

On the heels of this week's exciting announcement of the partnership between Johnson & Johnson Innovation's JLABS, the Government of Ontario, University of Toronto and MaRS Discovery District, these further developments make for exciting time for health innovation in Ontario and across Canada.

We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with the Government of Ontario as with all our partners in healthcare."

About Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies is the national association representing the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We serve our membership by advocating for policies that enable the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our memberships' commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. We represent more than 50 companies investing over $1-billion in R&D annually, fuelling Canada's knowledge-based economy, while contributing over $3-billion overall to Canada's economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, we work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

Sarah Douglas, Media Relations, Rx&D, Telephone: [phone] extension 525, E-mail: [email protected]