After decades of campaigning and struggle by IAM Canada members, activists and allies, Canada has finally established a framework for a national single-payer pharmacare program. The law, Bill C-64, is the first phase of a program which provides universal access to contraception and diabetes medications.
The Senate passed the bill in its third reading on October 10th, paving the way for it to receive royal assent on 11 October, 2024. It became law immediately.
Now that the bill has become law, provinces and territories must begin negotiating pharmacare agreements, including details on funding and distribution. These negotiations are crucial for implementing the plan, as the federal government needs to finalize agreements with each province and territory to move forward nationwide.
Thanks to Canada’s New Democrats, the NDP, leveraging their influence over the Liberal government, millions of Canadians will now have access to life-saving medications, such as diabetes treatments and contraceptives, at no cost. This marks a significant victory for all Canadians, but we must remain vigilant.
With a federal election on the horizon, we need to continue our organizing efforts to ensure this benefit reaches those who need it most. It’s crucial that we elect a government that will not only implement pharmacare but also work to expand it.
The Liberals have promised pharmacare for decades, yet they have often succumbed to the pressures of big pharmaceutical companies. It was only through the NDP’s insistence that real progress was made. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have opposed pharmacare at every turn, threatening the program’s future if they gain power.
At this pivotal moment, IAM Canada members will continue to mobilize with our allies—not only to secure this vital victory for Canadians today but also to protect and enhance it for our children, their children and their future.
Full list of diabetes medications covered.
Full list of contraceptive medication.
Derek Ferguson,
IAM Canada Political Action