World Vision Canada calls on the Government of Canada to amend Bill C-9, which will change Canada's patent laws to make it possible to export generic versions of essential medicines.

"Medicines are urgently needed," states World Vision Canada president Dave Toycen. "Last year alone, there were 700,000 new HIV infections among children around the world. In Canada, we have an incredible opportunity to change this situation, by ensuring essential medicines are more accessible and affordable. Canada's legislation can help make this happen by stimulating greater competition in the pharmaceutical industry."

Since Canadian legislation will set a precedent for other countries to model their own legislation after, it is critical that Bill C-9 be consistent with international agreements on patent laws, trade rules and public health. Canada can fulfil its commitments to these agreements by amending Bill C-9 in a way that balances the interests of various parties, but gives clear priority to access to affordable medicines.

World Vision asks that the following proposed alternatives be included in Bill C-9, namely that the government:

• Amend Schedule 3 to allow all developing countries the right to benefit from medicines they consider necessary to their public health concerns;
• Remove Schedule 1, which provides a limited list of pharmaceutical products; and
• Remove the second "right of first refusal" clause, which hampers competition between generic and patent-holding companies.

World Vision strongly recommends that Bill C-9 receive quick parliamentary approval. The long-term, global benefits of improving access to medicines in response to HIV/AIDS far outweigh any other considerations in relation to Bill C-9. People should not have to wait longer for life-saving medicines.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian relief and development organization active in more than 90 countries around the world, providing help to more than 85 million people each year.