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Unifor is calling on all provincial and territorial governments to follow Manitoba’s lead after the province became the first to join the national pharmacare program.
“This is a major step forward in making prescription drugs more accessible for working people,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “No one should have to choose between their health and their finances.”
The federal government and Manitoba announced a $219-million deal to fund universal coverage for diabetes medication and contraception. The agreement is the first under the Pharmacare Act, which Unifor has long supported as a critical step toward universal, single-payer drug coverage for all Canadians.
“This is exactly what the federal and provincial governments can accomplish when working together,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Premier Wab Kinew and his government are leading the way, showing real leadership in making pharmacare a reality. Pharmacare saves lives, it saves money and it’s long overdue.”
Unifor has been a strong advocate for a national pharmacare program, calling for a publicly funded system that ensures all Canadians have access to the medications they need.
The union continues to urge all provinces and territories to work with Ottawa to implement the program and guarantee prescription drug coverage for everyone in Canada.
