EDMONTON — This morning, the Alberta NDP Opposition Caucus released a leaked copy of an internal cabinet document showing the provincial government has been working on a plan to rollback Albertans’ drug benefits. The proposal shows that an average senior couple would pay hundreds, or even thousands of dollars more per year for their medications under this new scheme, costing Albertans up to $400 million dollars more out of pocket for their prescriptions.

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.

EDMONTON – With the federal Liberal caucus meeting for their pre-session retreat in Edmonton this week, Friends of Medicare is joining the Canadian Health Coalition and allies from Alberta and across Canada for a rally to call on the Federal Government to keep their promise to implement and expand a national Pharmacare plan.

The historic passing of Bill C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare last October brought us closer than we’ve ever been to achieving universal drug coverage in Canada, with a preliminary plan for universal coverage of contraceptives and diabetes medication and devices. Since then, bilateral agreements have been signed by the federal government with Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon, to get coverage for diabetes and contraceptive medications under way. Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories have all been mentioned as potentially being next in line.

EDMONTON — Yesterday afternoon, some of Alberta’s health care unions announced they had reached a deal with Alberta Health Services to ensure their members would be able to receive the COVID-19 immunizations free of charge on a voluntary basis. This is a change from the Alberta government’s previously announced COVID-19 immunization plan that tightly restricted access to free vaccines.

EDMONTON — As Albertans’ anxiety grows over the rising cost of living — including how new tariffs could impact their employment, health benefits, drug costs, and pocketbooks — the federal government is creating uncertainty about whether they intend to fulfill their promise to deliver much-needed relief when it comes to expanding federal dental care coverage, and bringing down drug costs via a national public drug plan.

Health Coalitions from across Canada issued a joint statement in advance of the gathering of First Ministers and the Council of the Federation:

EDMONTON — Yesterday, the Alberta government quietly changed the maximum prescription drug co-payment for Alberta seniors, without so much as a formal announcement. Seniors currently pay up to $25 per prescription, which is set to increase by a dollar each month to a maximum of $35 per prescription by April 1, 2026.

EDMONTON — As Albertans’ anxiety grows over the rising cost of living — including how new tariffs could impact their employment, health benefits, and pocketbooks — the federal government continues to drag their heels on delivering much-needed relief when it comes to expanding dental care and bringing down drug costs.

EDMONTON — December 3 is an important day to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It’s a day to learn but also a day to act. 

Because the truth is, here in Alberta, there is much work to do to ensure folks living with disabilities can live life with the full dignity and respect they deserve. The supports, health care services, and legislative frameworks needed for full participation in our province are still not in place. Below are some ways you can act in solidarity with Albertans with disabilities on this important day.