Canada's prescription drugs an issue in U.S. elections.While Iraq dominated the debate, Canada's prescription drugs were a secondary issue in the recent congressional election in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . The victory of the Democrats in the House of Representatives is causing some concern about the potential impact on the supply of drugs in Canada. Most Democrats, and a few Republicans, campaigned to make it easier for Americans to obtain their prescription orders through Canadian internet suppliers. In Canada, prices are 30-80% lower for most drugs because of government controls. This will be a major item on their legislative agenda. The Canadian Pharmacists Association expressed concern that this activity could be a threat to Canada's supply. Canadian drug suppliers, many owned by foreign companies, have also threatened to limit the supply of drugs in Canada, if it affects their lucrative U.S. markets. Just before the U.S. elections, Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett Carolyn A. Bennett, PC, MP, MD (born December 20, 1950 in Toronto, Ontario) is the Member of Parliament for the riding of St. Paul's, a constituency located in Toronto, Canada. She is a member of the Liberal Party of Canada, and was formerly a candidate for its leadership. tabled a private member's bill private member's bill Noun a law proposed by a Member of Parliament who is not a government minister that would prevent U.S. state A U.S. state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States, although four states use the official title "commonwealth". The separate state governments and the federal government share sovereignty, in that an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and and city governments from buying drugs in bulk from Canada, as it would help subsidize their health plans. A spokesman for Health Canada Health Canada (French: Santé Canada) is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health. Health Canada's goal is to improve Canadian life by improving Canadian longevity, lifestyle and use of public healthcare. said the government does not anticipate shortages, but is monitoring the trade and will act quickly if any problems are detected. Democrats say they plan to allow states to negotiate directly with giant pharmaceutical companies for lower prices, as well as allowing drugs from Canada and other countries. Both of these measures have been barred by law at the behest be·hest n. 1. An authoritative command. 2. An urgent request: I called the office at the behest of my assistant. of the Bush administration. If changed by Congress, it might bring on a presidential veto. |
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