Ottawa withdraws from the drug insurance program, posing an equity problem

Defenders of reproductive health say that the federal government’s inability to undertake to finance medication insurance in all provinces and all territories leaves the population in great uncertainty and could create inequalities all over the country.

It’s really disappointing, honestly, said Liz Thompson, responsible for defending rights for Cover Contraception. In addition, It looks like they don’t really know what they’re going to do.

The first phase of the Drug Insurance Act. Therefore, adopted last fall by the Liberals and the NPD, provides that the federal government is funding the cost of contraceptives and diabetes drugs for patients.

She also asks the government to study the best way to create a universal medication insurance diet covering all drugs.

The Trudeau government has signed agreements with British Columbia. However, Prince Edward Island, Yukon ottawa withdraws drug insurance program, and Manitoba to cover the cost of certain drugs for four years.

The Liberal government also planned $ 1.5 billion in the last budget to finance the first phase of the program. For example, but it does not undertake to conclude agreements with the remaining provinces.

And lack of leadership

Last week. Furthermore, the Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, was asked about the absence of new negotiations with the provinces concerning medication insurance. Nevertheless, She did not undertake to conclude the remaining agreements.

It is a new government. Nevertheless, we are in a new context and we must discuss with the provinces to see how we can support themshe said at a press conference in Fredericton.

During the spring electoral campaign. the Liberals engaged in their platform to Protect dental care and drug insurance, two ottawa withdraws drug insurance program, essential services and key elements of a solid public health system that the conservative chief Pierre Hairyvre would eliminate.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Mark Carney said. in response to questions, that the Liberal chief had promised during the campaign that we would not delete or abolish any of the existing agreements.

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It is extremely disappointing. it demonstrates a fundamental lack of leadership on this questionexplained Teale Phelps Bondaroff, president and co -founder of the campaign Access B.C.which has campaigned for the coverage of prescription contraceptives since 2017.

Phelps Bondaroff said that the Liberals do not seem to give priority to health. well-being, fairness and equality of citizens when they focus on the threat of American customs duties.

The government is extremely focused on these macroeconomic issues. and I fear that it forgets ordinary Canadians in this process.

British Columbia became the first province to offer contraceptive coverage in 2023 and was among the ottawa withdraws drug insurance program, first to sign a federal financing agreement.

Access B.C. now accounts for sisters in several other provinces, including Cover Contraception In Ontario.

Ottawa withdraws drug insurance program,

Press at provincial and federal levels

Dr. Amanda Black. former president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, said that if the government did not sign new agreements, it would be a decline for women’s health in Canada.

I think we have to put pressure both at the provincial and federal levelshe said.

The Canadian press contacted Diabetes Canada to get its comments, but has not received an answer.

Julie Veinot. Managing Director of South Shore Sexual Health In Nova Scotia, said citizens in the whole country should expect equal coverage.

I am completely surprised that it is even possible that ottawa withdraws drug insurance program, some provinces do not obtain this coverageshe said.

Ms. Veinot added that she expected the liberals to keep their own program.

Unfortunately. we know that the cost of living is extremely high at the moment, so we don’t want people to choose between paying their rent and buying contraceptives.

The Canada Labor Congress welcomed the adoption of the Drug Insurance Act last fall, describing it as victory and first steps towards a solution that unions have recommended for years.

Elizabeth Kwan. principal researcher at the congress, said that if the government does not manage to conclude agreements with the remaining provinces and territories, it will break a promise made to the Canadians.

The ottawa withdraws drug insurance program, government must understand that the construction of the nation also involves social programs that define us as Canadians. And I think that is partly what makes us a sovereign countryshe said.

Ms. Kwan added that many Canadians depend on the coverage of medicines by their group insurance scheme. that Many people in Canada lose their jobs these days – Thousands of people dismissed due to the closure of Hudson’s bay at the 10,000 jobs lost in the colleges of Ontario due to the compressions and cancellations of programs.

The layouts. job losses should increase in the sectors exposed to customs duties, such as the manufacturing sector and the industries linked to steel and aluminum, she said.

This is why we need a universal public systemexplained Ms. Kwan.