The federal government has established a committee of experts to develop a roadmap for a universal pharmacare program in Canada. Dr. Nav Persaud, a Canada Research Chair in health justice, will lead the committee, which includes various healthcare professionals tasked with advising the government on the next steps for the program. The Liberals and NDP had negotiated a pharmacare bill, which became law on Oct. 10 and allows the federal government to enter into agreements with provinces and territories to provide free access to contraceptives and diabetes medication. The expert committee will provide recommendations for the creation of a universal, single-payer pharmacare program, with a report due to the health minister by Oct. 10, 2025.
The committee, which includes experts like Linda Silas and Dr. Steve Morgan, will engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, and other experts as they work on the report. The NDP has welcomed the appointment of the committee, while the federal Conservatives have indicated they would reject a single-payer drug plan if they come into power. Conservative governments in Alberta and Ontario have also expressed doubts about signing agreements with the federal government. Health Minister Mark Holland aims to have deals signed with all provinces and territories by the next spring to begin coverage of birth control and diabetes medications.
British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding to provide coverage, while Manitoba’s NDP government has started covering prescription birth control and is interested in making a deal with Ottawa. The initial program will be a universal, first-dollar, single-payer model, meaning patients will not have to pay for the medications. Those with private health plans that cover the medicines can choose to use their coverage or the federal plan. The structure of the national program, whether it will be a mixed-payer system or a single-payer system, will be determined by the expert panel as they work on finding the best system for Canada.
The expert panel’s recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future of pharmacare in Canada. The committee will work to consider different factors such as affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness in designing a program that works for all Canadians. As the government aims to sign agreements with provinces and territories to provide free access to essential medications, the role of the expert panel in advising on the best approach will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the universal pharmacare program. With the committee’s report due in 2025 and expected to go to Parliament, there is hope for a comprehensive and equitable pharmacare system in Canada.
The establishment of a universal pharmacare program is a significant step forward in improving healthcare access and affordability for all Canadians. By providing free access to essential medications like contraceptives and diabetes drugs, the government aims to address gaps in coverage and ensure that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. The expert panel’s recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the program, determining the structure, and ensuring its effectiveness in meeting the healthcare needs of the population. With ongoing engagement with provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders, the government is committed to creating a robust and inclusive pharmacare system that benefits all Canadians.
