Government of Canada Introduces Legislation for First Phase of National Universal Pharmacare

Legislation includes universal access to contraception and diabetes medications.

February 29, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada          

Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare (Pharmacare Act), which proposes the foundational principles for first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and describes the Government of Canada’s intent to work with  provinces and territories (PTs) to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraception and diabetes medications.

The Minister also announced the government’s plan to establish a fund to support Canadians’ access to supplies that diabetics require to manage and monitor their condition and administer their medication, such as syringes and glucose test strips.

This legislation is an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and outcomes and has the potential of long-term savings to the health care system.

Coverage for contraceptives will mean that 9 million Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to contraception and reproductive autonomy, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and improving their ability to plan for the future. Cost has consistently been identified as the single most important barrier to access to these medications and the cost is unevenly borne by women and gender diverse Canadians. Bill C-64 will ensure that Canadians will have access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive drugs and devices.

Diabetes is a complex disease that has no cure but can be treated with safe and effective medications. One in four Canadians with diabetes have reported not following their treatment plan due to cost. Improving access to diabetes medications will help improve the health of 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes and reduce the risk of serious life-changing health complications such as blindness or amputations.

Over the past year, the Government of Canada has delivered on key actions to provide better and more accessible health care in Canada. Financial barriers should not be an impediment to accessing safe and effective prescription drugs and related products.  We are determined to work towards a plan where Canadians can obtain their medication as prescribed, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

The Bill demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to consulting widely about the way forward and working with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and other partners and stakeholders to improve the accessibility, affordability and appropriate use of pharmaceutical products, by reducing financial barriers and contributing to physical and mental health and well-being.

Bill C-64 also provides that the new Canadian Drug Agency work towards the development of a national formulary, develop a national bulk purchasing strategy, and support the publication of a pan-Canadian strategy regarding the appropriate use of prescription medications.

Together, these elements would form the key next steps towards national universal pharmacare in Canada. The Minister would further establish a committee of experts to make recommendations on the operation and financing of national, universal, single-payer pharmacare in Canada.

Bill C-64 proposes a significant change to our heath care landscape, which, together with the learnings from ongoing initiatives such as the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases and the Improving Affordable Access to Prescriptions Drugs initiative with Prince Edward Island, are part of the Government of Canada’s plan to ensure Canadians can access the medicines they need and pave the way forward towards the implementation of national universal pharmacare in Canada.