Editor:
In recent days a story with international impact, national opportunity and local involvement has been taking place in the houses of Parliament.
The story starts in 2004 when Parliament unanimously created Canada's Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR) to authorize exports of lower-cost, generic versions of expensive brand-name medicines to eligible developing countries.
But what was supposed to be an example of Canadian leadership on the international stage was fatally flawed. Since 2004, the Bill has been used just once, to send medicines to Rwanda.
Having passed second reading, Bill C-393, to amend CAMR, has recently been reviewed by the Industry Committee in the House.
On Monday, Nov. 1, the Industry Committee, examining the Bill after second reading, cut out the clause that would allow a streamlined process. With the elimination of the one-licence process, the flow of life-saving drugs to Africa will not take place.
Members of the strong national network of Grand-mothers' groups have been integral to the support of Bill C-393. Now that this crucial clause has been removed from the Bill, Grandmothers across the country are working to have it re-inserted when the Bill is before the House of Commons.
Local involvement by the Sunshine Coast Grand-mothers and Grand Others will continue to support the amendment of CAMR.
On the national front, Parliament still has an opportunity to return the life-saving clause to the Bill. On the international stage, with an amended CAMR in place, Canada has a chance to take an ethical and humanitarian position - and save lives.
Julie Gleadow
Sunshine Coast Grandmothers and Grand Others
