Strengthening Canada’s Pharmaceutical Sovereignty
- CPMEA
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
March 27, 2026, Toronto - Canada relies on global supply chains for many of its medicines. While international trade plays an important role, recent global disruptions have demonstrated the risks of depending too heavily on overseas manufacturing.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, as countries imposed export restrictions and medicine shortages became more common. Today, growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to highlight the importance of ensuring reliable access to essential medicines.
Many countries are responding by strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The United States and the European Union have introduced policies to support local production and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. Canada must take a similar strategic approach.
Domestic manufacturers already play an essential role in Canada’s healthcare system.
Companies represented by the Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Exporters Alliance (CPMEA) operate facilities across the country and collectively supply about 30 percent of the prescriptions Canadians rely on each day.
To strengthen Canada’s medicine security, CPMEA has proposed a Five-Point Action Plan for Canadian Domestic Pharmaceutical Production.
Canada-First procurement
Public drug programs represent a major share of pharmaceutical spending. Prioritizing medicines manufactured in Canada would help create stable demand and support long-term investment in domestic production.
Priority regulatory review for Canadian manufacturers
A streamlined regulatory pathway for medicines produced in Canada could accelerate patient access while encouraging companies to expand manufacturing in Canada.
Competitive tax policy
Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires significant capital investment. Competitive tax policies can help ensure Canada remains an attractive location for pharmaceutical production.
Integration with national security strategies
Reliable access to medicines is critical in times of crisis. Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing should be recognized as a key component of Canada’s national security and defence planning.
Strategic trade alliances with trusted partners
Canada should continue strengthening partnerships with trusted allies to build more resilient pharmaceutical supply chains while maintaining strong domestic capacity.
Strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing is not about limiting trade. It is about ensuring that Canadians can rely on stable access to essential medicines in times of global disruption.
With the right policy framework, Canada can support a resilient pharmaceutical manufacturing sector that protects both public health and economic security.
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.
