Stiles to Ford: Yes or no? Will you support the national pharmacare plan, ensure Ontarians have free access to essential meds?

QUEEN’S PARK – With the federal government’s national pharmacare plan set to be revealed today, Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP is pressing Premier Doug Ford to commit to signing on and ensuring all Ontarians can benefit from the coverage of essential medication and devices.

“A national pharmacare plan will bring much needed relief to people living with chronic illnesses, seniors, and people living with disabilities – and it’s something New Democrats at all levels have worked toward for years,” said Stiles.

A national pharmacare program for Canadians was one of the federal NDP’s key demands going into the confidence-and-supply agreement with the federal Liberals. It establishes a process by which Canadians can access essential medication and devices through single payer coverage. But the plan’s success is contingent on whether Ontario signs on.

Canada is the only country in the world with a universal public health care system that does not have universal coverage for prescription drugs outside of hospitals.

“People shouldn’t have to choose between essential diabetes medication, contraceptives and food. It's pretty simple: universal healthcare must include pharmacare. That was always the intention, since it was first introduced by Tommy Douglas.”

“Now, thanks to the NDP, Canadians who are struggling with the cost of prescriptions can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The question is whether the Premier will commit and stand up for Ontarians?”

QUICK FACT:

Made-in-Ontario Pharmacare has been a core Ontario NDP policy for both the 2018 and 2022 provincial elections