Canada is on the verge of a major breakthrough in health care, thanks to a historic agreement between the Liberal government and the NDP on Pharmacare. This deal will create a universal, single-payer drug plan that will cover all Canadians and save them billions of dollars.
Pharmacare is a long-standing demand of the labour movement, especially the United Steelworkers union, which has been working with the NDP for years to make it a reality. Pharmacare will ensure that no Canadian has to choose between paying for their prescriptions or putting food on the table.
The new bill, which will be introduced soon, will set up the framework for a national Pharmacare program that will follow the principles of the Canada Health Act. It will also provide immediate coverage for contraception and diabetes treatment, two of the most pressing health care needs in the country.
Canada is the only developed country with a universal health care system that does not include prescription drugs. As a result, Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world for their medications, and many of them cannot afford them at all. This leads to poor health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and reduced productivity.
A universal, single-payer Pharmacare plan will fix this problem by negotiating lower drug prices, eliminating out-of-pocket costs, and improving access and quality of care. According to a recent study, Pharmacare could save Canadians up to $15 billion per year.
The United Steelworkers union applauds the NDP for their relentless efforts to make Pharmacare happen, and calls on all MPs to support this historic legislation. Pharmacare is not only good for our health, but also for our economy and our society. It is time to make it a reality for all Canadians.