NDP makes a statement on the Liberal government’s refusal to waive the intellectual property rights of COVID-19 vaccines

Heather McPherson, the NDP’s Critic for International Development, made the following statement:

“Canada’s decision not to waive intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines will have a devastating effect on the global recovery from this pandemic. If the world does not work together on this effort to vaccinate underdeveloped countries, 30% more people will die and dangerous variants will develop, delaying the global economic recovery by years.

The Liberal's refusal to waive these patents shows that they care more about Big Pharma than they do about everyday people. This is one of the biggest ethical challenges of our time and the Liberals have failed the world; I am appalled.

The NDP will continue to fight so that Canada can be part of the global effort to fight COVID-19.”