A trained pharmacist, Vincent Raymond dove into pharmacoeconomics before shifting into government relations within the pharmaceutical industry, driven by his passion for politics. Amid trade tensions, supply chain impacts, and public health concerns, he shares his perspective on Trump-imposed tariffs and the uncertainty hovering over the pharmaceutical industry. Note: The opinions expressed reflect those of our expert.
Stéphanie: What was your first reaction to Trump’s tariff announcement? We’ve learned that pharmaceutical products are among the targets, and on the Canadian side, there’s already talk of countermeasures. Things are evolving quickly. How do you view this situation?
Vincent R.: Things are moving very fast, and uncertainty is setting in. For companies, predictability is key, but these announcements create an unstable climate—especially for supply chains. It’s still too early to assess the impact. While some of our products are imported from the U.S., we operate a global supply chain with manufacturing sites around the world. Everything will depend on how things are implemented in the coming months. What’s concerning is the pressure these measures can place on supply chains. Like during the pandemic, any added stress can trigger a surge in demand and lead to shortages. In the pharmaceutical sector, prices are regulated, especially in Quebec. It’s not possible to simply pass increased costs on to consumers—so who absorbs the extra cost in that kind of model? We don’t yet know if essential medicines will be affected. But Canadian countermeasures could increase the risk. What the industry is really seeking is stability. Politics move quickly, but building industrial capacity takes years. And patients are often the ones who bear the consequences. Medicine isn’t a luxury or just another consumer good—it’s vital.
Stéphanie: It’s definitely a stressful situation. And it’s not just an industry issue—it affects us as citizens too. How do you manage that pressure on a daily basis?
Vincent R.: In my role, it’s important to block out the noise. My priority remains clear: ensuring timely access to treatments and vaccines that can play a key role in prevention. I stay informed, I read a lot to broaden my perspective, but I focus on what I can control. On a personal level, I disconnect from social media, spend time outdoors, with my family. Returning to the essentials—that’s what gives meaning to everyday life.
Stéphanie: Are there any projects you’re excited about right now?
Vincent R.: It’s not one specific project, but a deep desire to create together. Collaboration is essential in tackling major challenges. Organizations like Montréal InVivo play a key role in bringing stakeholders together. My ambition is to help build a more agile framework for integrating innovation in Quebec and improving patients’ lives. In the long run, I’d love to see us build an ecosystem so strong it attracts researchers from around the world. We need to tell stories that inspire belief—and investment. Everyone has a role to play and must be part of the solution.
Stéphanie: If you had a magic wand to help innovations get adopted more quickly in our system, what would that look like?
Vincent R.: In an ideal world, as soon as Health Canada approves a product—meaning it’s been deemed safe and effective—we’d already be able to trigger the next steps. Right now, several stakeholders work in sequence to answer questions like: Does it work? Is it safe? Is it worth the investment? Can we afford it? Each has a role to play, of course, but this process takes far too long. If all players could work more in parallel and better integrate their processes, we could make a real difference.
Stéphanie: So we’d keep the same stakeholders, but instead of working one after the other, they’d collaborate in tandem. That would definitely reduce delays.
Vincent R.: Exactly. Currently, it takes an average of 730 days—two full years—between Health Canada’s notice of compliance for a new drug and its inclusion on public drug plan reimbursement lists in Canada. That’s too long. As a result, Quebec and Canadian patients are often among the last in OECD countries to access new treatments.
Stéphanie: Final question: what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since the start of 2025?
Vincent R.: What stands out most is our collective pride and the will to move forward together. As long as we work in silos, we remain stuck. We need to bring the ecosystem together, talk to each other, listen, and act in the same direction. The issue of economic independence from the U.S. pushes us to reflect: what can we improve here in Quebec? We proved it during the pandemic—when we mobilize, we move forward. Let’s tap into that energy again. If the government wants to invest in strategic sectors where Quebec has a competitive edge, life sciences must be part of the equation. Patients will always need healthcare solutions—so let’s support those developing them. It starts with more upstream dialogue among all stakeholders, keeping patient needs at the center. No one can do this alone.
Stéphanie: It’s true—during the pandemic, we all jumped into the arena at once. There was a real collective momentum.
Vincent R.: Yes, especially when it came to vaccines. In Canada, we rallied. Everyone pitched in. We worked hard to provide fast access for the Canadian population.
Stéphanie: And at the beginning, we didn’t even know if we’d survive… It wasn’t just about economics or budgets. It was about life and death.
Vincent R.: Exactly. It’s like a tsunami after an earthquake in the middle of the ocean. At first, everything seems calm. Then, hours later, it hits. That’s how supply chains work—the effects are delayed. The economic impact is already being felt in stock markets. Since Canada imports more medicines than it exports, our sector could end up suffering from global supply chain instability in the medium term if the current situation isn’t resolved. The road ahead won’t be easy, but by adopting a constructive approach and focusing on solutions, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity to build a stronger healthcare system that benefits all Canadians.
Stéphanie: Thank you, Vincent!