Action Alert: Let’s make pharmacare happen!

Bill 64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, comes before Senate committee for consideration on Sept. 18. We are closer than ever to a long-awaited national pharmacare program and we need you to help ensure the Bill moves speedily through the Senate.

Join us in calling on Prime Minister Trudeau and Senate leadership to deliver a universal, single-payer pharmacare program, benefitting all Canadians. And, call on Premier Doug Ford to work with the federal government to make pharmacare happen in Ontario!

In 2021, 21 per cent of the country’s population – including a disproportionate number of immigrants and racialized Canadians – did not have insurance to cover the cost of prescription medications. Many of these fellow Canadians end up in emergency departments and are admitted to hospitals. And many others develop chronic illnesses which they can’t manage because they can’t afford the medications they need.

Bill C-64 sets out a path to universal coverage, starting with specific prescription medications and related products for contraception and diabetes. It also contains a framework for universal, single-payer pharmacare that would cover all essential medications from coast to coast to coast – and would save Canada billions of dollars through centralized purchasing.

Ensure that politicians, including Senators, do not succumb to pressures from insurance companies, pharma and other corporate interests. A successful pharmacare plan that will reach all in Canada hinges on continued advocacy and oversight to safeguard against any potential backpedaling or watering down of the proposed program.

RNAO has fought hard to get to this day and we will continue to do so. Join us! Call on Prime Minister Trudeau, Senators, and Premier Ford to make sure that a universal, comprehensive, single-payer pharmacare program – one that benefits everyone – becomes a reality in Ontario and in Canada.