Debt AIDS Trade Africa (DATA) says draft legislation on the issue in the Canadian parliament contains provisions beneficial to brand name drugs firms.

Bono, a long-time campaigner for development causes, said at a convention of Martin's Liberal Party last year that "the world needs more Canada."

But DATA Executive Director Jamie Drummond said in a letter to Martin that "first, the world needs Canada to shoulder its commitments."

"Canada made the solemn millennium promises along with other richer nations to help the poorest help themselves develop," he wrote.

"The richest nations must keep these promises to the poor," said the letter.

DATA warned that the draft legislation in the Canadian parliament allows brand name drugs firms that hold patents the right of first refusal to fill orders for poor countries.

"This would undermine the very purpose of the law, which is to get affordable medicines to the 14 million people who die every year from treatable diseases," the letter said.

A deal was struck last year to change World Trade Organisation rules on intellectual property rights to enable poor countries to import generic prescription drugs they cannot manufacture.

But brand-name drugs companies argue that since they own such rights on drug patents they should be allowed to bid for contracts drawn up by generic drugs companies.

TERRA.WIRE