Ontario's Automakers Applaud Reforms to Prescription Drug System

TORONTO, April 8 /CNW/ - Canada's automakers applaud the government of Ontario for proposing changes to the prescription drug system designed to lower the costs for prescription drugs.

"Over the past several years, health insurance costs for Ontario's automakers have been one of the fastest rising costs of doing business. The announcement by the Government of Ontario is welcome news for Ontario employers seeking to enhance their competitiveness and manage rapidly rising drug costs within employer-sponsored benefit plans." said Mark Nantais, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA).

The CVMA is the industry association that has represented Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles since 1923. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; General Motors of Canada Limited; and Navistar Canada, Inc. Its members collectively manufacturer 74% of all vehicles in Canada and 45% of all vehicles sold to Canadian consumers and have over 100,000 current and retired employees on employer sponsored benefit plans.

"We are continually working to improve the competitiveness of auto manufacturing in Ontario in a number of regulatory areas in order to attract and retain investment. Any reduction in the cost of prescription drugs for the tens of thousands of our members' employees and their retirees would be helpful in this regard," stated Nantais. "The CVMA looks forward to working with the Government of Ontario to work through the details to ensure that people continue to have access to medications they need at an affordable cost."

For further information: Mark Nantais, President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, [phone]