Canada is faced with a tremendous opportunity to improve and strengthen the federation in a fundamental way. The country is enjoying a strong period of economic performance - it is now in its fourteenth year of economic expansion - but faces a number of challenges: a deteriorating health system lagging productivity, over taxation, continuing conflict between federal and provincial governments, and a marked divide between laggard provinces and those that are prosperous.

Government spending on all types of prescription drugs (patented and non-patented) is increasing faster than any other component of health spending. And new or patented medicines tend to be more expensive compared to older drugs and other health treatments. This study examines all of the ways in which patented drugs might contribute to health-care costs.

The allocation of investment capital, both internationally and domestically, is increasingly acknowledged as a leading contributor to a jurisdiction's economic success or failure.