EDMONTON — Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton late last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that new bilateral agreements with remaining provinces and territories would be finalized “as quickly and equitably as possible.” These comments follow months of uncertainty as to the future of national Pharmacare, as result of multiple remarks from the Prime Minister and Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel refusing to commit to the continued implementation of the program—including as recently as last week.
“We’re glad to see the Federal government finally make a clear commitment to negotiating more agreements with provinces and territories, to continue implementing national Pharmacare coverage across the country,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “Pharmacare has long been called the ‘unfinished business’ of our Medicare, with millions of people in Canada waiting decades for a public drug plan. They shouldn’t have to wait any longer.”
The passing of the Pharmacare Act last October was the most significant expansion to our public health care system since the creation of national Medicare over sixty years ago. It set the framework for universal, single-payer, first-dollar drug coverage for all Canadians, starting with contraceptives and diabetes medication and equipment. But since the federal election, not one new agreement had been signed with a provincial or territorial government.
“Universal Pharmacare would mean one less bill to worry about for so many people struggling to make ends meet. It would mean significantly less strain on our overburdened health care systems. And most importantly, it would mean people would no longer have to suffer avoidable hospitalizations or premature deaths because they can’t afford to fill their prescriptions,” said Gallaway. “Pharmacare is a clear win-win, and it’s urgent that our provincial and federal governments act cooperatively to get it underway. Albertans can’t afford any more delays.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come after Friends of Medicare and health coalitions from across the country called on the Federal government to fulfil their promise to implement national Pharmacare, and immediately after over a hundred Albertans rallied outside of the Liberal Caucus’ meeting in Edmonton. Thousands more have written to their provincial and federal representatives in Alberta calling on them to support Pharmacare for all Albertans.
“Albertans overwhelmingly support national Pharmacare, and they made their voices heard last week. We are heartened to see that the Federal government is listening, and that they understand we will continue to hold them to their promises,” said Gallaway. “With the Federal government returning to Parliament today, we hope this change of tone indicates they will move swiftly to fund and implement this phase of Pharmacare, but also to expand it to the full, universal program that Canadians need and deserve. We will be watching closely for adequate funding in the impending fall federal budget, while continuing to pressure the Alberta government to finally get on board.”
Friends of Medicare encourages Albertans to continue to speak out in support of national, universal Pharmacare by sending a letter to their provincial and federal representatives.
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