Pharmacare legislation includes universal access to contraception and diabetes medications.

May 24, 2024 | Scarborough, Ontario | Health Canada

Canadians should have access to quality medicines, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. People should not have to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many Canadians are still forced to make this impossible decision.

Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, alongside the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to make essential and preventive medications more accessible and more affordable.

In February 2024, the Government of Canada introduced C-64, the Pharmacare Act, that puts forward the plan for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and the intent to work with provinces and territories to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraceptives and diabetes medications. The Pharmacare Act is a concrete step towards the vision of a national pharmacare program that will improve the health of Canadians and build a stronger public health care system.

Coverage for contraceptives will mean that nine million Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to contraception and support their sexual and reproductive health. Cost has consistently been identified as the single most significant barrier to accessing these medications and this cost is unevenly borne by women and gender-diverse Canadians. Pharmacare will give women and gender diverse Canadians freedom over their reproductive health.

Diabetes is a complex disease that has no cure, but can be treated with safe and effective medications. However, one in four Canadians with diabetes has reported not following their treatment plan due to cost. Improving access to diabetes medications will help improve the health of 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes, and reduce the risk of serious life-changing health complications, such as blindness or amputations.

The Government of Canada will consult widely about the path forward and will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners and stakeholders to improve the accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of pharmaceutical products.

Financial barriers should never be the reason people cannot access prescription drugs and related products. We are determined to work towards a plan where Canadians can obtain their medication as prescribed, regardless of where they live or if they can afford it. This is an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and health outcomes for Canadians, with potential long-term cost savings to our public health care system.