Action Requested of the Canadian government to Acquire Cuban Pharmaceuticals – Resolution passed by the Niagara chapter of the Canadian Cuban Friendship Association – January

 

WHEREAS, Canada has a continuing need for COVID vaccines and other pharmaceuticals;

WHEREAS, Canada has been dependent on U.S. big pharma and single sourced Pfizer and Moderna as a supplier of COVID vaccines;

WHEREAS, based on past experience, Canadians know that the U.S. government and big pharma have acted to provide for U.S. needs prior to fulfilling Canadian needs;

WHEREAS, there have been reported concerns that the drugs provided by the two pharmaceutical companies do not meet regulated safety and performance standards;

WHEREAS, Cuba has developed COVID vaccines that have been tested showing over 90% efficacy and are being imported by Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and other countries to meet their needs;

WHEREAS, Pfizer and Moderna pricing is the most expensive in the world and they have just recently announced further price increases;

WHEREAS, Cuba-manufactured pharmaceuticals are provided to poorer countries for free or at cost and Cuban scientists willing to share their knowledge;

WHEREAS, Cuba has made advances in producing new vaccines, in addition to several COVID vaccines, such as one for lung cancer and developed alternative methods for diabetes patients, resulting in preventing foot amputations;

AND WHEREAS, In every likelihood, with a licensing agreement, Cuban pharmaceuticals could be manufactured in Canada at far lower costs than are currently being paid to Pfizer and Moderna;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian government enter into negotiations immediately to acquire and possibly manufacture Cuban pharmaceuticals in order to be able to meet the needs of all Canadians.