SUMMARY - Health Canada Drug Approvals
Every medication available in Canadian pharmacies arrived there through Health Canada's drug approval process. Before pharmaceutical companies can sell a drug in Canada, they must demonstrate safety, efficacy, and quality to Health Canada's satisfaction. This regulatory gateway determines which treatments Canadians can access, how quickly new therapies become available, and what information accompanies their use. The approval process balances thorough evaluation against timely accessâa balance that generates ongoing debate.