Ensuring affordable medicine and contraceptives for all Canadians
News release
May 24, 2024 - London, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canadians should have access to quality medicines, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. People should not have to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Unfortunately, many Canadians are still forced to make this impossible decision.
That’s why today the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, joined the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, to reiterate the government of Canada’s commitment to help make essential and preventive medications more accessible and affordable.
In February 2024, the Government of Canada introduced legislation that proposes foundational principles for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and the intent to work with provinces and territories to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraceptives and diabetes medications. The Pharmacare Act is a concrete step towards the vision of a national pharmacare program that is accessible, inclusive, and fiscally sustainable—today and for the next generation.
Coverage for contraceptives will mean that nine 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 accessing these medications and the cost is unevenly borne by women and gender-diverse Canadians. Canadians of reproductive age will now have affordable access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive drugs and devices.
Quotes
“Fairness for every generation starts with making public healthcare accessible for every Canadian. That’s why our government is making common contraceptives and diabetes medication free and universally accessible for all. Because no matter your age, your income or your circumstances, everyone should be able to get the care they need.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
“Our government believes that women should have the right to choose—no matter what their income is. Our National Pharmacare Program is going to ensure that women have the freedom to choose the contraceptives they need without the cost getting in the way.”
-Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
Quick facts
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On December 18, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Canadian Drug Agency with an investment of over $89.5 million over five years, starting in 2024-25. The Agency will provide the dedicated leadership and coordination needed to make Canada’s drug system more sustainable and prepared for the future and help Canadians achieve better health outcomes.
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On March 22, 2023, the Government of Canada announced measures in support of the first-ever National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, with an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years to help increase access to, and the affordability of, effective drugs for rare diseases.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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