e-3181 (Health)

The Government of Canada continues to actively work with all international partners to reach a rapid and just end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government recognizes the integral role that industry has played in innovating to develop and deliver life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, and firmly believes in the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP).

Canada remains committed to finding solutions and reaching an agreement that accelerates global vaccine production and does not negatively impact public health, including being ready to discuss proposals on a waiver for IP protection, in particular for COVID-19 vaccines, under the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Canada will continue working closely with all WTO Members, including engaging on new proposals from any Member or group, in seeking a consensus-based outcome to address any IP challenges created by COVID-19.

Since the introduction of the IP waiver proposal, Canada has actively worked with partners to identify barriers to vaccine access—many of which are unrelated to IP, such as supply chain constraints. For instance, Canada is actively engaged in the work of the Trade and Health Initiative at the WTO, which aims to strengthen global supply chains and support the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies, including vaccines, around the world. Canada has also encouraged the WTO Director General’s efforts to enhance the WTO’s role in global dialogue with the pharmaceutical sector towards accelerating the production and distribution of affordable, safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines and other medical products in coordination with the World Health Organization and other relevant organizations.

Canada has always been, and remains, a strong advocate for equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies around the world through our support for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and the COVAX Facility. To date, we have announced $1.3 billion to support low- and middle-income countries to access COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments because we understand that the pandemic is not over anywhere, until it is over everywhere.

The Government of Canada continues to support a robust, multifaceted, and global effort to address the pandemic, one that draws upon all of the necessary resources and tools available in the international rules-based trading framework, as well as new mechanisms for global cooperation on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical products. As equitable, timely and affordable access to testing, treatments, and vaccines will be critical for controlling and ending this pandemic, Canada remains committed to continued engagement with all members of the international community to find solutions to these global challenges.