LOUISE BINDER
Chair, Best Medicines Coalition
April 12, 2008

Toronto -- Strident protests would be called for if there was any reason to believe the federal government is planning to green-light direct-to-consumer advertising for pharmaceuticals, a practice that does not contribute to effective patient care (Loophole Clears Path For Direct-To-Consumer Drug Ads, Critics Charge - April 11).

As it stands, however, there is no indication, within the new Food and Drug Act legislation or otherwise, that this is in the works. This legislation simply modernizes and harmonizes the Canadian regulatory framework, enabling more effective safeguards for drugs, both pre and post market, and enables the government to continue its drug-advertising ban, which we support.