'This is not just about medication; it's about justice and fairness for all,' says union
Canada has moved closer to implementing a universal pharmacare program with the passing of pharmacare legislation through the House of Commons.
Bill C-64 – An Act respecting pharmacare – passed third reading on Monday. It is now headed to the Senate.
Unifor welcomed the development.
"We are glad to see the pharmacare plan come to fruition as so many Canadians are in need of it," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "With this bill, we are paving the way for a health care system where no Canadian has to worry about affording their medications.”
What is the Bill C-64 pharmacare act?
The development comes after, in February, the federal government started tabling the pharmacare legislation. That legislation kicked off the first phase of Ottawa’s universal pharmacare plan.
The legislation outlines coverage for essential medications, including contraception and diabetes-related prescriptions and equipment. The bill aims to address the gaps in Canada's health care system, ensuring comprehensive access to necessary medications for all Canadians, according to Unifor.
"This plan is especially significant for women, who often face greater barriers to accessing health care," said Payne. "By including contraception and other vital medications, we are taking a critical step towards achieving gender equity in health care. This is not just about medication; it's about justice and fairness for all."
However, it's not yet clear exactly what drugs will be covered, since they will be the subject of negotiations with provincial and territorial governments, noted CTV News.
Once the bill is passed, Mark Holland, Canada’s minister of health, can begin those formal negotiations with provinces and territories to deliver the program, which is expected to cost $1.5 billion over five years, according to the report.
In August 2023, Holland said that legislation around Canada’s universal pharmacare program would come before that year's end – if all things went to plan.
In 2021, Annamie Paul, leader of the Green Party of Canada, promised to push policies that will protect essential workers and their conditions, including a guaranteed liveable income and universal pharmacare.
Also in 2021, the introduction of a national universal pharmacare program for Canada took a further step after Ottawa and Prince Edward Island signed an agreement.
