The Continuing Battle for Universal Pharmacare with Marc-André Gagnon

Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy

Despite Canada’s celebrated health care model, a lack of robust and universal drug coverage has resulted in a “fragmented system” that leaves ordinary Canadians without adequate care. Bill C-64 titled An Act Respecting Pharmacare was recently passed in Canada. Providing the framework for universal public drug coverage in Canada, Bill C-64 has been celebrated by some as a welcome and necessary step forward.

However, Marc-André Gagnon, Associate Professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration of Carleton University, argues that Bill C-64 has glaring flaws that allow it to fall short of providing pharmacare for all. While the legislation outlines an ideal narrative for phasing in universal pharmacare, the bill also relies on vague and ambivalent language that sets the stage for implementation favouring drug companies. If public drug coverage is not rolled out correctly, according to Gagnon, we could be left with an inefficient system that relies on the private sector, instead of true, public pharmacare for all.

Listen to the full episode to hear how the battle continues for universal pharmacare in Canada. Marc-André Gagnon’s article “Pharmacare and Access to Medicines in Canada: Is Bill C-64 a Step in the Right Direction?” is also published in Perspectives Journal no.2 and is available online here.

Notes:

Pharmacare and Access to Medicines in Canada: Is Bill C-64 a Step in the Right Direction?

REPORT - A Prescription For Canada: Achieving Pharmacare For All (The Hoskins Report)

Ghost Management Research Group

REPORT - Understanding the Gap 2.0 – The Conference Board of Canada

CARP criticizes Bill C-64's limited coverage for seniors – Benefits and Pensions Monitor