NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh warns Justin Trudeau on 'Pharmacare Bill'

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the Liberal government must introduce legislation for a national pharmacare plan by March 1 or risk breaking the supply-and-confidence agreement that has allowed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government to remain in power.

Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, Singh argued that universal pharmacare would not only expand health care but also help families cope with rising costs. “Pharmacare is a tool to fight inflation,” Singh said, warning that failure to act would carry consequences for the government.

Singh pointed to the federal commission on pharmacare, which recommended a single-payer universal program as the most cost-effective option for households and governments. “The Liberals’ own report confirms what Canadians already know - a public plan saves money and ensures fairness,” he told journalists.

The Liberals have committed to working with the NDP on pharmacare but have not yet tabled a bill. Health Minister Mark Holland said earlier this month that negotiations are continuing with provinces, which would be responsible for administering any national program.

Political analysts note that the March deadline will test the stability of the Liberal–NDP agreement, which has already faced strain over housing and dental care. Singh has repeatedly accused the government of delay, while the Liberals argue that major reforms require provincial cooperation and sustainable funding.