Ontario calls for national pharmacare program

News Release
Ontario Government

A national pharmacare plan funded by Ottawa will mean shorter wait times for Ontario patients, while ensuring every Canadian has the same access to effective prescription drug therapies, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Monday.
“A national pharmacare plan, funded by the federal government, is a win-win-win situation,” said Premier McGuinty.
“It’s a win for Canadians, who will get improved access to prescription drugs on a consistent basis across the country. It’s a win for the federal government, which can take a leadership role on this critical and growing aspect of health care. And it’s a win for Ontario and other provinces, because if Ottawa assumes prescription drug costs, we will have more of the resources we need to deliver the other results Canadians want.”
The results Ontarians want include more doctors and nurses and shorter waiting times for important procedures and tests such as cancer care, cardiac care, joint replacements and cataracts, and MRI and CT scans, said Premier McGuinty.
At the recent Council of the Federation meeting chaired by Premier McGuinty, the premiers and territorial leaders called on the federal government to establish and fund a national pharmacare program.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Martin committed to working with the provinces and territories to develop a national pharmaceutical strategy that would provide all Canadians with a basic level of coverage.
Speaking to the Canadian Medical Association, Premier McGuinty said Ontario’s health care costs are rising by eight per cent each year.
Prescription drug costs are one of the fastest growing areas of health care. Canadians now spend $16 billion each year on prescription drugs, with $7.55 billion covered by public plans delivered by the provinces.
With costs rising and demands increasing, the system needs to be reformed to sustain it for future generations and make it more responsive to this generation, McGuinty said.
“We have a historic opportunity to ensure Ontarians and Canadians can get the health care they want and deserve. Let’s seize it.”