Canada ready to discuss vaccine patent waiver
Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Mary Ng announced on Friday that Canada is willing to discuss proposals on waiving intellectual property protection for coronavirus vaccines under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
“We remain committed to finding solutions and reaching an agreement that accelerates global vaccine production and does not negatively impact public health. Canada has always been, and remains, a strong advocate for equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies around the world,” said Ng, adding that Canada is aware of the importance of protecting intellectual property and the industry’s role in developing the jabs.
Canada joins the United States, Russia and the European Union in its stance, with Germany being opposed to the proposal.
Get involved!
Comments