On March 30th, at Snowdon Pharmacy in downtown Toronto, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Ya’ara Saks, unveiled the government’s inaugural phase of national universal pharmacare, a significant component of the forthcoming Budget 2024. The introduction of the Pharmacare Act last month by the federal government initiates the initial phase of implementing a national pharmacare plan.
This legislation sets the groundwork for constructing a fairer and more affordable Canada. Through universal pharmacare, every woman will have the freedom to make choices concerning their reproductive health, including family planning.
Recognizing the financial burden of contraceptives and diabetic medications as a primary obstacle to access, the universal pharmacare plan seeks to bridge the gap between affordability and necessity, thereby diminishing financial barriers.
By providing access to over nine million women in need of contraceptives and over 3.7 million Canadians reliant on diabetic medication, the plan ensures equitable access to essential healthcare resources. This endeavor emphasizes the government's commitment to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, irrespective of financial circumstances or geographical location.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, highlighted the government’s plan to rollout the first phase of national universal pharmacare—an initiative that will be a part of the upcoming Budget 2024. This plan will break down the barriers to access most prescription contraceptives and diabetes medication, while taking one step closer to achieving fairness for everyone.
With the tabling of the Pharmacare Act last month, the federal government is in the first phase of delivering a national pharmacare plan. This legislation paves the way to build a Canada that is not only equitable but more affordable for all. A national pharmacare plan means that every woman will have the right to choose if or when they would like to start a family.
The federal government recognizes that the financial cost of contraceptives, and medications for those who are diabetic, is one of the largest barriers to access. A universal pharmacare plan aims to diminish the divide between cost and need, while reducing financial barriers. It will allow for over nine million women to have better access to contraceptives, whether that is for family planning or medical treatment. This means every woman will have the ability to choose a contraceptive that is best for her, regardless of her ability to pay. In addition, improving access will help over 3.7 million Canadians who rely on diabetic medication, such as insulin, as a life-saving measure.
Quotes
“Women should have the autonomy to make their own choices about their health and their bodies. Our plan to make common contraceptives free—like birth control pills and IUDs, and even emergency contraception—will mean that, for nine million Canadian women, freedom of choice will be truly ‘free.’ And it means more Canadian women will have freedom of choice over their bodies and their lives.”- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“Through this first phase of national universal pharmacare, women across the country will get access to the contraception and reproductive autonomy they deserve. We’re making sure women have the freedom to plan for their future and choose when they want to start a family. Canadians should never have to choose between their health and paying bills.”- The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is pleased to stand alongside the federal government in today's announcement, reaffirming its dedication to women's healthcare in Canada. The SOGC has consistently advocated for a comprehensive contraceptive coverage policy because it empowers women to make informed choices about their reproductive health and their futures, including family planning, educational pursuits and workforce entry and re-entry. Access to contraception transcends reproductive rights and is a cornerstone of public health and equity. We believe that no individual should be prevented from accessing contraception due to income or where they live. Universal contraception coverage will produce immediate benefits for our society and have an intergenerational impact. This policy will ensure that women are empowered with tools to better control their futures and reproductive life plans.” - Dr. Amanda Black, President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Read The Government Press Release https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/03/government-highlights-next-step-to-universal-access-to-free-contraceptives.html
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