Pharmacare

Universal pharmacare continues to be an ACER-CART priority.  Recently appointed Health Minister Duclos’s mandate letter includes “Continue engaging with willing provinces and territories towards national universal pharmacare, while proceeding with a national strategy on high-cost drugs for rare diseases and advancing the establishment of the Canada Drug Agency”.  This sentiment was echoed by Finance Minister Freeland in response to a question regarding the April 2022 budget.

The message would seem quite clear.  While, at a national level, ACER-CART will continue advocating and working with like-minded organizations, the word “willing” is significant.  Member Associations along with their individual members are urged to engage with local and federal politicians regarding the importance of a universal pharmacare program.