On June 5, 2023, the Minister of Health released a statement on drug and other health product shortages, providing an update on actions being taken aimed at minimizing shortages and their impacts.

As one action, Health Canada is conducting a 60-day consultation on improving access to drugs and other health products, which Health Canada states “will be used to develop solutions for Health Canada and others who have a role to play in helping prevent shortages”. The consultation will close on August 4, 2023.

As a further action, Health Canada established a new external Health Products Supply Chain Advisory Committee to share their expertise and provide advice on approaches to shortage prevention and management.

In addition, the Minister of Health will conduct “a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from June to September to discuss strategies and identify solutions to prevent and mitigate drug shortages”.

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