OTTAWA, April 21, 2006 — The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today met with senior executives from Canada's research-based pharmaceutical companies and toured a pharmaceutical research laboratory.

"I was pleased to meet representatives of companies that invest in and work toward the discovery of new medications in Canada," said Minister Bernier. "Academic and biomedical research is important in Canada. As well, the research and development and commercialization done in the private sector is what ultimately brings new therapies to Canadians. The Government of Canada recognizes and understands the importance of the pharmaceutical sector to Canada in terms of wealth creation, better health care, productivity and innovation."

"I indicated to industry representatives that this government wants to encourage the development of new and affordable medicines and therapies for Canadians," added Minister Bernier.

For more information, please contact:

Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001