Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare (Pharmacare Act), which proposes the foundational principles for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada. It describes the Government of Canada’s intent to work with provinces and territories (PTs) to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraception and diabetes medications.
Today marks a significant milestone in Canadian healthcare with the introduction of Bill C-64. This legislation is poised to revolutionize access to essential medications across the country.
“The Surrey Board of Trade applauds the Government of Canada for taking this bold step towards improving health equity, affordability, and outcomes for all Canadians,” Anita Huberman, President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, stated. “The introduction of Bill C-64 is a crucial advancement in our healthcare system. By providing universal, single-payer coverage for contraception and diabetes medications, this legislation addresses longstanding barriers to access and promotes better health outcomes for millions of Canadians.”
With the proposed coverage for contraceptives, approximately 9 million Canadians of reproductive age will gain improved access to contraception, empowering them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future planning. Additionally, the inclusion of diabetes medications in the universal pharmacare plan will benefit 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes, reducing the financial burden associated with managing this chronic condition and mitigating the risk of severe complications.
“Access to affordable medications is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of Canadians. Bill C-64 not only addresses financial barriers but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, where individuals can obtain their prescribed medications regardless of their location or financial means,” Huberman emphasized.
The Surrey Board of Trade commends the Government of Canada’s commitment to consulting widely and collaborating with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of national universal pharmacare. “By fostering collaboration and prioritizing the needs of Canadians, Bill C-64 paves the way for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare landscape,” Huberman added.
In addition to providing coverage for essential medications, Bill C-64 outlines key initiatives, including the establishment of a national formulary, a bulk purchasing strategy, and the development of a pan-Canadian strategy for prescription medication use. These initiatives, combined with ongoing efforts such as the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, signify a comprehensive approach to improving access to medications for all Canadians.
As Canada progresses towards the realization of national universal pharmacare, the Surrey Board of Trade remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all Canadians.
Canada’s unions, civil society groups, business (Surrey Board of Trade) and academics wrote to the Prime Minister on December 7, 2021, urging the government to use the upcoming Economic and Fiscal Update to take the next step forwards on implementing universal public pharmacare.
The letter outlined how the government is falling behind the recommendations of their own Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare.
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Anita Huberman, 604-643-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
