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The inventory provides the most current information on shared-cost programs and on projects involving joint federal and provincial administration. Basic information is given on each program and activity, along with the source within the federal government from which more detailed information can be obtained. The programs and activities in this inventory are arranged according to the responsibilities of the federal ministers concerned.

In April 2001, the Prime Minister established the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada. Its mandate was to review medicare, engage Canadians in a national dialogue on its future, and make recommendations to enhance the system's quality and sustainability. The 47 recommendations in this report outline actions that must be taken in 10 critical areas, starting by renewing the foundations of medicare and considering Canada's role in improving health around the world.

The Commission recommends some major modifications and extensions to policy specific to the industry. The processleading to authorization for marketing should become more rapidand more consultative. The terms on which compulsory licencesare issued should ensure that the licensing firms pay their shareof the research and development and promotion expenditures fromwhich they benefit. Royalties should be distributed to thepatent-holding firms in such a way as to encourage research inCanada. Provincial plans should provide consumers with greaterknowledge about what drugs are substituitable and greaterinformation on prices and should give them incentives to seek outcheaper drugs.