Have your say on how Canada implements a national pharmacare plan. The federal government has opened comments and a poll for members of the public to share thoughts about the high cost of prescription medication, and what we can collectively do to fix it.
“Unifor members know that the time to act is now – together we need to demand universal pharmacare for everyone, regardless of income, age, or where the person works or lives,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “If we want a truly universal system to become a reality in this country, then we need to make sure the federal government hears this call loud and clear.”
As many as 8.4 million Canadians have no prescription drug coverage at all; this disproportionately affects women and young workers. In addition to this, Canada’s spotty prescription coverage system is inefficient and expensive, with Canadians paying wildly different rates and receiving grossly inconsistent coverage.
Recent studies show a national drug plan through bulk purchasing and negotiated pricing with drug manufacturers could lower the costs of drugs enough to finance a full pharmacare system with no increase to government costs. The federal Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) estimates minimum savings of at least $4 billion annually based on the most comprehensive drug coverage, while other estimates include savings of up to $ 11 billion.
“A robust, national pharmacare program is critical for Canada’s success in a global economy,” said Andy Savela, Director of Health Care. “Participating in this discussion with the federal government is one way for Unifor members to advocate for a universal, national pharmacare plan.”