Canadian pharmacists are bracing for widespread drug shortages as U.S. Democrats in the new Congress discuss legalizing imports from Canada.

A coalition of Canadian pharmacy and patient advocacy groups is now asking Ottawa to ban prescription drug exports to the U.S., fearing that if U.S. chains start filling their prescriptions with cheaper Canadian drugs, prices will rise at home.

In a letter to Health Minister Tony Clement, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) urged the government to step in "to protect Canadians and Americans against abuse of our system."

CPhA spokeswoman Louise Crandall told CBC News Canada's drug supply could be "decimated," with the country experiencing shortages and higher prices.

Since patented drugs in Canada are price-controlled and about 30 to 40 per cent cheaper than in the U.S., Congress argues that fully legalizing "reimportation" would help millions on their side of the border who don't have health insurance.

In October, U.S. lawmakers allowed the importation by U.S. patients of 90-day supplies of prescription drugs from Canada.

"Now with the Democrats winning power and making it clear this is a priority in 2007 to fully legalize this, something needs to be done here," Crandall said.

The CPhA has demanded to meet with Clement in two weeks to discuss the ban.

"This government has shown very little interest in the issue even though we've been talking for months on this," Crandall said.

Not reassured

A spokesman for the health minister has said the government has no plans to ban the cross-border trade, but it is monitoring the drug supply and would take quick action at the first sign of shortages.

Crandall wasn't reassured by that strategy.

"Drug shortages are very difficult to monitor," said Crandall. "We have not seen evidence of a plan, or tools or monitoring."

Liberal health minister Ujjal Dosanjh introduced legislation to ban bulk exports in late 2005, but the bill was a casualty of the federal election that was soon called.

With files from the Canadian Press