EDMONTON — Every year, September 26th marks World Contraception Day, raising awareness about the importance of contraception and reproductive health care. As we recognize the day this year, Bill 6-64:An Act Representing Pharmacare, is being studied by a Senate committee, and still waiting to be passed into law. Bill C-64 would ensure universal coverage of diabetes and contraceptive medications.
“Today is a timely reminder of the importance that access to contraception plays on our the quality of our reproductive health and rights, at a moment when Canadians are still waiting for action on Pharmacare to ensure universal access to these essential medications for all who need them,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “We are calling on the members of the Senate to move quickly to get Bill C-64 passed, and to do so without amendments.”
Provinces have already begun signing agreements with the federal government to implement Pharmacare once Bill C-64 is passed. It is crucial that this legislation proceeds through the Senate without amendments so that it can move to Royal Assent without returning to the House of Commons, allowing the Pharmacare program to be implemented as quickly as possible. Any further delays risk the program not being underway before the next federal election, and the possibility that a new government could cancel it before it ever has a chance to improve the health and lives of the millions of people who are counting on it.
“After more than 60 years of fighting, the passing of Bill C-64 in Parliament this May was a historic moment that brought us closer than we’ve ever been to having a national Pharmacare Act passed and a program in place,” said Gallaway. “Unfortunately, the Senate didn’t deal with this legislation before rising for their summer break. Now that they’ve returned, it’s critical that they act with urgency to get this done as quickly as possible. Any further delays are unacceptable. Canadians have waited long enough.”
In recognition of World Contraception Day, Friends of Medicare encourages all Albertans to email our Senators to tell them to get Pharmacare legislation passed and underway as soon as possible: friendsofmedicare.org/ABpharmacare
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