On October 10, the federal government passed legislation for the first phase of national universal pharmacare. The Pharmacare Act received Royal Assent and immediately came into force.
According to the federal press release, The Minister of Health will continue working with provinces and territories to reach bilateral agreements to provide universal, single-payer, first-dollar access to a range of contraception and diabetes medications as the first phase of a national universal pharmacare program.
"These agreements will support reproductive freedom by providing up to nine million women and gender-diverse people in Canada free access to contraception. Additionally, the 3.7 million people in Canada living with diabetes will have universal access to a suite of medications that reduce the risk of serious health complications and improve quality of life."
The Act also mandates that Canada's Drug Agency create a list of necessary medications and associated goods to guide the creation of a national formulary, a national bulk purchasing plan to help lower drug costs even more, and a pan-Canadian prescription medication usage strategy.
"The Government of Canada will consult with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners and stakeholders about the path forward to improve the accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of pharmaceutical products. The Act also requires that a committee of experts be established within thirty days to make recommendations on the operation and financing of national, universal, single-payer pharmacare in Canada."
According to the federal government, Passing the Pharmacare Act is a crucial step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and outcomes and will result in long-term savings to the healthcare system.
"Everyone in Canada deserves access to the care they need, including to prescription medications. Our plan for universal access to contraception means reproductive freedom and choice, and access to diabetes medication is a transformational step towards improving health outcomes and health equity in Canada. I thank all partners for their contributions to making this happen," stated The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health.
After the federal government made the announcement, Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange issued the following statement on the Pharmacare Act.
"Alberta's government recognizes there are nationwide concerns about gaps in drug coverage and the sustainability of public drug programs, and we are committed to working towards tangible solutions to make drugs more affordable and accessible to Albertans. Alberta is willing to work with and discuss ways that the federal government can invest in Alberta's existing comprehensive pharmacare programs and help us expand coverage to those who need it most.
Unfortunately, the federal government has yet to share its vision for the future of national pharmacare, beyond coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medications, and how pharmacare will be financially supported in the long term while respecting Alberta's current offerings. Alberta has some of the most comprehensive public drug programs in the country, covering more than 5,000 drugs, and we intend to maintain our current benefit offerings. The federal government can assist us in enhancing our current offerings by not adding duplicate programs or creating unnecessary and costly administrative burdens.
Without meaningful consultation and true collaboration, Alberta will continue to call on the federal government to provide predictable, sustainable and unconditional health funding that aligns with provincial and territorial priorities and respects our exclusive jurisdiction over the planning, organization and management of our health care systems."
On February 29, 2024, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-64 (Pharmacare Act).
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