In early January, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the state of Florida to import prescription drugs from Canada. Due to this decision, the Minister of Health of British Columbia, Adrian Dix, hopes that Ottawa will do what is necessary to protect drug supplies for Canadian residents and avoid any shortages.

Minister Adrian Dix said he fears there will be massive exports of prescription drugs from Canada to Florida.

According to him, this decision opens the door to a serious threat that could cause drug shortages in the country. Adrian Dix said this is actually an assault on drug supplies in Canada.

He also highlighted taking action in response to a similar issue in British Columbia. In April 2023, the government of that province decided to restrict the sale of Ozempic abroad.

"This injectable medication, made for people with type 2 diabetes, is famous for its benefits in weight loss." Adrian Dix said this change in provincial regulations led to virtually a complete drop in drug exports.

The regional health minister said that in this case, the scale of the situation is completely different, expressing his fear that Canadians would suffer the consequences of the US FDA's decision.

The federal government has the necessary authority to address the problem.

Also, according to Adrian Dix, several other U.S. states have issued laws similar to Florida's laws and are at different stages of approval by the FDA.

Adrian Dix said: "It would be a big problem if those approvals occur, but I don't think that will happen," citing the strength of the Canadian government and opposition from American and Canadian pharmaceutical companies, which could kill the idea in its cradle.