April 20, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

"Today, the Government of Canada tabled amendments to Bill C-9, the
"Jean Chretien Pledge To Africa" act.

Bill C-9, reinstated in February 2004, provides for lower cost medicines for
HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other epidemics which are ravaging developing countries, especially in Africa.

Canada was the first country to respond to the call for international assistance, and this legislation has been hailed as a model to the world. It was the right thing to do, the moral thing to do. It is in the finest tradition of Canada. I am pleased, and proud, that Canada was able to lead the world in this effort.

Since the bill's introduction, however, there has been vigorous debate
about how best to encourage pharmaceutical companies to build capacity and
get lower cost drugs into the hands of those in need. The so-called right of first refusal was a particular sticking point.

I believe that to be of real help to the millions of people suffering in developing countries, changes were needed. Working with non-governmental organizations and the pharmaceutical industry, I believe that the government has achieved the right solution. With the continued cooperation and hard work of Parliamentarians, we hope to have this crucial legislation in place as quickly as possible. We look forward to their deliberations on the amendments the government has brought forward."