October 5th, 2017
NDP tables motion to implement universal pharmacare
OTTAWA – The NDP has introduced a motion in the House of Commons that gives the Liberal government one year to begin negotiations with the provinces in order to implement universal pharmaceutical drug coverage for all Canadians.
“No Canadian should have to choose between medicine for their family and putting food on the table,” said Don Davies, NDP Health Critic. “What’s more is that study after study shows that a universal pharmacare program would actually save money.”
Last month the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a report that examined the costs of a national pharmacare program and found that even with high levels of coverage, a public drug plan would save Canadians more than $4 billion a year.
“Some provinces have stepped up in the absence of federal leadership but there’s no excuse any more for not moving towards universal coverage that will lower the costs of drugs for everyone,” said Brigitte Sansoucy, the NDP’s Deputy Critic for Health.
The NDP motion will be debated on Thursday with a vote expected when the House returns on the week of October 16th.