Manufacturing Health: The Public Health Case for Canadian-Made Medicines

July 10, 2025, Toronto - In Canada, pharmaceutical manufacturing is often discussed in the context of trade, tariffs, and economic development. But there is another critical lens through which to view this sector: public health. The ability to produce essential medicines domestically isn't just a strategic advantage or an economic opportunity - it is a public health imperative.

A Vulnerable Supply Chain

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the fragility of global medical supply chains. Canadians experienced shortages of everything from painkillers to antibiotics, a result of our heavy reliance on foreign manufacturing hubs. When international borders close or supply chains are disrupted, our access to vital medications can be severely compromised.

Many of the medicines Canadians use every day are manufactured outside our borders, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms. This dependence creates significant risk, especially for vulnerable populations, rural communities, and those managing chronic health conditions.

Public Health and Domestic Production Go Hand in Hand

A resilient healthcare system requires a reliable, consistent supply of medications. Local pharmaceutical manufacturers help guarantee that supply. When medicines are made in Canada, we reduce the risks of international disruption, respond faster to shortages, and maintain higher oversight and regulatory control.

Domestic production also enables better emergency preparedness. In times of crisis, having the capacity to scale up production locally can mean the difference between timely care and critical shortages. Whether it’s a pandemic, natural disaster, or geopolitical instability, domestic manufacturing strengthens our national readiness.

Equity and Access

A robust Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturing sector can also improve access and equity. Medications produced locally are more likely to be distributed efficiently across regions, including remote and underserved areas. With a stable domestic supply, pharmacies and healthcare providers are less likely to experience backorders or delays that disproportionately affect rural and Indigenous communities.

A Policy Priority

The Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Exporters Alliance (CPMEA) advocates for a future where Canada can meet more of its own pharmaceutical needs. Supporting domestic manufacturers is not only good for the economy, it’s essential for protecting the health of Canadians.

We urge policymakers to treat pharmaceutical manufacturing as a public health priority. That includes investing in infrastructure, supporting the skilled workforce behind our manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring fair, stable market conditions for Canadian producers.

By reframing pharmaceutical manufacturing as a public health issue, we can align industry strategy with healthcare outcomes. Because manufacturing medicines in Canada doesn’t just make economic sense - it saves lives.

Learn more about how CPMEA is advocating for a secure and resilient Canadian drug supply at www.cpmea.ca.

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The Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Exporters Alliance (CPMEA) – Alliance fabricants et exportateurs pharmaceutiques du Canada (AFEPC) represents pharmaceutical companies that manufacture in Canada. We have come together in an Alliance to tell the story of drug production in Canada and to raise awareness of the unique issues facing our industry.

Click here to contact us, or email us directly at info@cpmea.ca.