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Oct 11, 2024 2:37 PM - Connect Newsroom - Debby Rai with files from The Canadian Press

Trudeau urges provinces to begin pharmacare talks; B.C. first to sign coverage agreement

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That legislation was central to the political pact between the Liberals and the NDP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canada’s provinces and territories to begin pharmacare negotiations immediately, following the recent passage of federal legislation that lays the foundation for a national drug coverage program.

Speaking to reporters in Laos, where he attended the ASEAN Summit, Trudeau said the passage of the pharmacare bill by the Senate represents “real progress for Canadians,” emphasizing that the next step now lies with provinces to implement it.

The pharmacare legislation, a key element of the confidence-and-supply agreement between the Liberals and the NDP, enables provinces and territories to sign deals with Ottawa to begin offering free diabetes and birth control medications.

So far, British Columbia has become the first province to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federal government to provide such coverage. Federal Health Minister Mark Holland has expressed hope that all provinces and territories will join the program by spring 2026.

For residents in Surrey and Metro Vancouver, the move could mark a major step toward universal prescription drug access, particularly benefiting newcomer and low-income families who often face high out-of-pocket medication costs.

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