Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

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Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

Representing manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceutical products, manufacturers and distributors of active pharmaceutical chemicals.

The CGPA represents the Canadian-based generic pharmaceutical industry: a dynamic group of companies which specialize in the production of high quality, affordable generic drugs, fine chemicals and new chemical entities.

09/26/2025

If Canada's most populous province increased its use of generic pharmaceuticals by just 1%, the province could reduce their spending by almost half a billion dollars.

Yes, half a billion. That’s such a large number that it's almost hard to believe, but it's true.

If Ontario's private sector increased use of generics by 1%, it would save more than $273 million; if the public sector did the same, it would save more than $203 million.

Add it up, and the province stands to save more than $477 million with just a 1% increase in generic pharmaceutical use.

Every small shift toward generic medicine adds up. And as the Ontario example shows, it doesn’t take much to create massive savings for Canadians.

09/09/2025

In the third spot of CGPA’s first ever TV ad campaign, the great debate continues: "Brand name" and “Generic” are back at it. This time, Brand name tries to find the thing that makes them different. Does he have more APIs? Nope. Better efficacy? Nope. Then Brand name has a eureka moment. Take a look to see what makes these two truly different!

08/27/2025

When you pick up a generic prescription, you’re getting the exact same active ingredient, in the same amount, working the same way in your body as the brand-name drug.

The only real difference? The price.

The brand-name version of prescription medicines can cost up to 10 times more than the generic alternative.

That's why generics are used to fill 77% of prescriptions in Canada, but account for less than 23% of total prescription drug spending.

That price gap translates into tens of billions of dollars in savings for Canadian patients, employers, and governments, proving that great healthcare doesn’t have to come at great cost.

08/22/2025

Did you know that more than three-quarters of the medicines Canadians rely on every day are generic?

More than 77% of prescriptions filled in Canada are generics, because they deliver the same quality, safety, and effectiveness as brand-name drugs at just a fraction of the cost of the brand-name alternative.

Every prescription filled with generic medicine saves patients, governments, and private benefit plans money, adding up to tens of billions of dollars in savings over the last five years alone.

Beyond affordability, Canada’s generic pharmaceutical industry employs 11,000 Canadians in science, technology, and manufacturing jobs, while supporting strong communities and a sustainable healthcare system.

That’s the value proposition of Canadian generics: medicines you can trust, and a homegrown healthcare system we can sustain.

08/13/2025

The most boring conversation ever? Maybe not!!!

Check out the second TV spot from our first-ever TV ad campaign. In this episode, "Generic" and "Brand Name" continue their argument about whether generic prescription medicines are as effective as their brand name counterparts. Brand Name finds the whole thing insufferably boring… until, that is, something surprises him. Got 30 seconds? We promise you’ll get a smile out of this.

Stay tuned for our third spot when Brand Name attempts to fight back with misinformation. He wins! (Or so he thinks.)

07/25/2025

Are generic prescriptions just as effective as their brand name counterparts? If so, why do brand name drugs cost up to 10 times more? This month, CGPA introduces Canadians to two guys who debate generics vs brand name drugs.

The CGPA is pleased to launch its first-ever TV ad campaign, a playful nod to the classic Mac vs. PC ads, across digital platforms and Connected TV. Each spot drives home a simple truth: generic medicines can cost up to 90% less than their brand-name counterpart—with the same quality and efficacy. Or, as the slogan at the end of each ad says, “Generic medicines. Same effectiveness. Definitely not the same price.”

Starting today, we’ll be sharing the videos here on LinkedIn over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more!

07/18/2025

Boosting the use of generic prescription medicines by a single percentage point could save Canada $1.234 billion.

In the private sector, a one percent increase in generics would save more than $700 million, while a one percent increase in the public sector would save more than $500 million.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re a powerful reminder of how much generic medicines contribute to the health and sustainability of our system.

Generic drugs fill nearly 80% of all prescriptions in Canada, yet account for less than 23% of total drug spending.

That’s how CGPA member companies help make Canadian health care more affordable, efficient, and sustainable—for everyone.

07/10/2025

As concerns grow over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose 200% tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, CGPA President Jim Keon has again shared his insights with the media, this time in a Candian Press story published in the Financial Post.

While the tarriffs are not aimed at Canada, Jim warned the Canadian pharmaceutical industry could nonetheless be implicated:

“Canada is not the target but we could get caught in the crossfire if there are broad-based tariffs on pharmaceuticals.”

He noted that Canada supplies less than 5% of generic drugs to the U.S. and that such a small share shouldn’t raise red flags about overreliance. But the impact could still be serious, especially for CGPA members with narrow margins that rely on access to U.S. markets.

“Imposing tariffs is going to increase costs and complicate supply chains."

Read the full story in the Financial Post:

https://financialpost.com/pmn/canadian-pharmaceutical-industry-alarmed-after-trump-floats-200-per-cent-tariff

07/09/2025

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal of tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical imports, CGPA President Jim Keon shared his perspective in today’s Toronto Star.

While Canada represents just 5% of U.S. generic imports, Jim noted that the proposed tariffs would still be a major hit for Canadian producers:

“It’s a very significant market for some of our members. Companies will not be able to absorb a 200 per cent tariff.”

He also cautioned that Canadian companies could be unintentionally caught in the crossfire, as the U.S. seeks to address pharmaceutical imports from other jurisdictions.

“We’re not the ones being targeted, but we might get caught in the crossfire.”

The article underscores the risks of trade uncertainty—and the potential for significantly higher drug prices for U.S. consumers.

Read the full story here:

https://www.thestar.com/business/donald-trump-announces-new-50-tariff-on-copper-imports-and-up-to-200-on-pharmaceuticals/article_63ddb004-814c-41f1-9a83-8c9756a635d3.html

07/01/2025

This Canada Day, we’re celebrating one of our country’s quiet strengths: our domestic generic pharmaceutical industry.

Canada is one of the few nations in the world with robust, homegrown capacity to manufacture high-quality, safe, and cost-effective generic medicines.

Our member companies fill nearly 80% of all prescriptions in Canada, helping to make patient care more affordable, sustain public and private drug plans, and keep our healthcare system strong.

At CGPA, we’re proud to work alongside governments, health-care providers, and patients to ensure Canadians have reliable, uninterrupted access to the medicines they need—especially in times of crisis.

Happy Canada Day from the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association!

06/19/2025

When it comes to filling prescriptions, generic pharmaceuticals punch way above their weight.

In Canada, $48 billion is spent annually on prescription medicines.

But even though generics are used to fill more than 78% of all prescriptions, they account for less than 23% of the overall budget.

As a result, using generic medicine has saved our healthcare system more than $220-billion over the past five years—and helped make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Canadians.

06/10/2025

Canada’s generic drug prices have dropped more than 60% over the last decade—good news for short-term savings, but not for long-term supply.

When prices fall below the cost of production or importation, it becomes impossible for manufacturers and distributors to sustain the supply of essential medicines, leading to the exit of products and suppliers from the Canadian market and increasing our vulnerability to shortages.

To keep medicine available, pricing needs to reflect its value to the healthcare system, and account for the cost of maintaining a reliable, resilient supply chain.

As highlighted in our latest report, published in conjunction with the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management, sustainable pricing isn’t about raising costs—it’s about ensuring that Canadians continue to have access to the life-saving medicines they need.

Check the report to learn more:

https://canadiangenerics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/02_14_25_CGPA_CAPDM_SUMMIT_REPORT_FINAL.pdf

Address

4100 Yonge Street, Suite 501
Toronto, ON
M2P2B5

Telephone

+14162232333

Website

http://www.canadiangenerics.ca/

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