(Ottawa) The Competition Bureau's Study reveals a bizarre maze of transactions between the manufacture of generic drugs and the final purchase by Provincial Government and Private Plans or individuals, including a secret rebate of 40 percent from the manufacturers to Pharmacies.

"This secret rebate taken by pharmacies and paid by manufacturers, likely exceeds one billion per annum," said CAC President Bruce Cran. "At a time when our Universal Medical Coverage is under attack for lack of funds this is intolerable. Questions of how this situation was permitted to develop arise as well as how can it be fixed."

The Consumers' Association calls on all levels of Government to move immediately to protect consumers from further abuse.

On behalf of Canada's thirty million consumers, thank you Competition Bureau for shedding light where it has been long overdue.

For further information:
Bruce Cran, (613) 291-7999;
Margaret Ireland, (519) 525-5071