Forum Update: Supporting Community-Led Discussion
The forum was created as a space for shared learning and peer support, and as the community grows, we want to lean more fully into that purpose.
Going forward, PAAB will be taking a more listening-first role in forum discussions. Rather than responding immediately to every question, we’ll be encouraging members to engage with one another, share experiences, and help build collective understanding. PAAB will continue to monitor conversations and will step in to:
- Correct any misunderstandings
- Provide guidance when questions remain unanswered after a few days
- Support discussions where official clarification is needed
Our goal is to foster a collaborative, trusted community where knowledge is shared and strengthened by everyone’s contributions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
502 - Is Pharma allowed to sponsor an independently-developed, physician-managed, online discussion forum? Pharma would have no involvement other than to provide funding for its development. What if the discussion forum is managed by Pharma's communication agency?
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It’s not a matter of “can you?” It’s a matter of whether it is advertising? This assessment requires consideration of all 7 factors outlined in the Health Canada document “The Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities”. PAAB can provide an opinion in consideration of all factors that are applicable in your particular case (see the fee schedule on our website).
If it is not advertising, it is not subject to the advertising provisions. If it is advertising, the answer is still “yes” but the pharma sponsor is responsible to ensure that the content falls within the federal advertising regulations.
