CPhA continues to call for action to protect Canada's drug supply

September 25, 2020 (Ottawa): The US Federal Administration has announced the final phase of the rule allowing for the importation of medications from Canada into the US.

There must be strong and unequivocal action by the Canadian government to restrict the bulk exportation of drugs from this country. While Canada’s largest pharmaceutical wholesalers have all pledged that they would not participate in such schemes in order to protect Canada’s drug supply, government measures are still needed to close potential loopholes and tighten the existing regulations.

We want to reassure Canadians that pharmacists and pharmaceutical wholesalers are committed to protecting the drug supply for our patients here in Canada. The announcement will not go into effect right away, so there is no immediate cause for alarm. We are confident that we can meet the medications needs of all Canadians and to further protect our drug supply. We urge Canadians not to stockpile medications. The best way for Canadians to help fight against future drug shortages is continuing to fill their prescriptions on a regular schedule.  

Over the coming weeks, we will work with Canadian government officials to make sure that further measures are put in place to protect our drug supply.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians.