Ottawa Commits to Nationwide Pharmacare Deals
The federal government is moving full steam ahead on pharmacare. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Ottawa will finalize pharmacare deals with all provinces and territories, ending speculation that the program might stall. Speaking in Edmonton, Carney pledged the agreements will be completed “as quickly and as equitably as possible.”
First Phase Already Underway
The first stage of the program, launched last year, provides universal single-payer coverage for contraceptives and select diabetes medications. This rollout stemmed from a supply-and-confidence agreement between the Liberals and the NDP, which required Ottawa to negotiate funding deals with provinces and territories while also studying models for full universal pharmacare.
So far, Manitoba, B.C., P.E.I., and Yukon have signed on, accounting for more than 60% of the $1.5 billion earmarked in the last budget.
Concerns Over Patchwork Coverage
Earlier this summer, Health Minister Marjorie Michel raised doubts about expanding deals, suggesting the government was in “a new context.” That uncertainty sparked backlash from health advocates, who warned against a patchwork system that could leave Canadians without equal access to essential medicines.
In Edmonton this week, protesters rallied outside the Liberal caucus meeting, demanding Ottawa deliver on its commitments. The Canadian Health Coalition, which organized demonstrations and even put up a billboard near the airport, called Carney’s announcement “a very positive step forward.”
Balancing Programs With Budget Pressures
Carney acknowledged that the upcoming federal budget will involve tough financial choices. Still, he emphasized that protecting pharmacare, dental care, and child care remains a top priority.
“One of the core reasons we’re making hard decisions is affordability and security for Canadians,” Carney explained. “We have to be in control of federal spending so we can continue to support those programs.”
Looking Toward Universal Pharmacare
When asked about expanding pharmacare into the full universal insurance program promised in 2019, Carney called that “a different question.” For now, the focus is on finalizing agreements with every province and territory.
A committee of experts studying universal pharmacare models will report to the health minister by October 10, with findings expected to be tabled in Parliament soon after.
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