NDP to put forward private member’s bill on making national pharmacare a reality

OTTAWA — The New Democrats are planning to bring forward legislation to implement a national, universal pharmacare program.

NDP House Leader Peter Julian is set to table a private member’s bill at his first opportunity after Parliament resumes next week.

It will be modelled after the Canada Health Act, which is the legislative framework underpinning universal health care.

The New Democrats and Liberals both promised some kind of pharmacare program during the fall federal election campaign, but differ on the details.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he’s heard platitudes from the Liberals about the importance of a national drug plan, but has not seen them take any concrete steps to make it a reality.

Singh has sent letters to the leaders of all the other parties asking for their support and offering a full briefing on the proposed legislation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2020.

The Canadian Press