Drugs sold by Canadian pharmacies via the Internet often go for much less than in the United States.

Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh did not specify what steps would be taken, but his spokesman said the measures could include preventing Canadian doctors from co-signing prescriptions without examining patients.

Other measures might be prohibiting prescriptions for foreigners not in Canada, barring a price reduction if the drugs are exported and banning bulk exports, spokesman Ken Polk said.

Drugs Sold via the Internet

Dosanjh has been studying options to restrict the practice for at least six months.

"I am concerned and we're acting on it. There will be news soon," Dosanjh said.

President Bush's administration opposes the prescription drug imports, and federal regulators warn they cannot guarantee the safety of drugs from outside US borders.

But Canada has dismissed concerns about the safety of drugs sold in Canada, saying Canada's regulatory regime is tougher than the US one.

Drugs sold via the Internet often go for much less than in the United States.

As part of its socialized medical system, the Canadian government sets drug prices lower than those in the United States.

A proposal to Prime Minister Paul Martin's cabinet will likely be made next week.

White House Pressure?

Last November, Bush discussed the issue of drug imports with Martin. But the White House has denied accusations that Bush pressured Martin to make it harder for Americans to buy drugs from Canada.

New legislation, but not changes to existing regulations, would require support from opposition parties as well as Martin's minority government to pass. It was not clear whether a ban on co-signing prescriptions could be accomplished by just changing regulations.