In a recent update released on their website, the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) announced two significant developments:

• Québec is now participating in the pCPA; and
• The Office of the pCPA (the Office) is now operational.

In Fall 2014, the Provincial/Territorial Health Ministers announced intentions for Québec’s participation in the Federation’s Health Care Innovation Working Group (HCIWG). Effective immediately, Québec will be participating in brand and generic initiatives. Québec has also expressed interest in joining many currently completed pCPA negotiations.

Following recommendations issued by IBM Canada Ltd after a review of international best practices and consultation with internal and external stakeholders, the Office of the pCPA has been created. The Office is located at 900 Bay Street, Toronto and currently has a Senior Manager and Senior Negotiator in place. Recruitment for 3 more staff is underway.

In February 2015, PDCI worked together with the pCPA to create pCPA Guidelines for Negotiations. For a complimentary copy please visit the PDCI website.