2013-2014 Quebec Budget - Rx&D recognizes the Quebec government's desire to support the pharmaceutical sector but has significant concerns

OTTAWA, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) acknowledge the Quebec government's efforts to support the pharmaceutical industry in its budget tabled on November 20, 2012. However, they are very concerned and disconcerted by how the government plans to implement the proposed changes, and by the unintended consequences that could arise.

"We share the government's desire to maintain and improve Quebec's position as a leader in innovation and life sciences," stated Rx&D's president, Russell Williams. "To do this, our industry must have a certain degree of stability so that it can advance and continue to contribute to Quebec's economy and Quebecers' health. We must work with the Quebec government to develop a comprehensive action plan that ensures the future of the life sciences sector and an appropriate transition."

Rx&D wants to maintain an open dialogue with the Quebec government to better understand its vision for the pharmaceutical industry and take an active role in developing a transition strategy that will enable Quebec to continue to stand out from the rest of Canada and the world and thus keep attracting pharmaceutical research investment.

"In the transition phase, which we hope will be as gradual as possible, it will be very important to ensure predictability, since it is a key investment factor for pharmaceutical research firms," said the chairman of Rx&D's Quebec Committee and vice president and general manager of Shire Canada Inc., Claude Perron. "Québec should also set the objective of quickly developing unique expertise in integrating innovations into the healthcare system and becoming a showcase and model of innovation development."

Over the past decade (2000-2010), Rx&D's members have attracted 45% of the research and development investments in Canada to Quebec, even though the province accounts for only 20% of their sales. In 2010, the pharmaceutical research sector generated

• 16,000 high-level indirect and direct jobs
• More than $1.2 billion in Quebec's economy, including more than $450 million in research and development

About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents the men and women working for more than 50 member companies which invest more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy, contributing over $3 billion to the Canadian economy.  Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE: CANADA'S RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES (RX&D)

Isabelle Robillard
Media Relations
Telephone: [phone] (extension 831)
E-mail: [email protected]