HISTORIC WIN FOR CANADIANS AS THE PHARMACARE ACT PASSES
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are celebrating a historic victory for millions of Canadians today with the passing of Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, in the Senate. This landmark legislation marks a significant step toward ensuring everyone can access life-saving medications without financial barriers, moving the country closer to achieving a universal, single-payer pharmacare program. For now, Bill C-64 will provide contraception and diabetes medications and devices free-of-charge for everyone who needs them.
The passing of the Pharmacare Act is a direct result of decades of advocacy from the labour movement, civil society groups, and the tireless efforts of political leaders. The Canadian Labour Congress’ Pharmacare campaign has brought together tens of thousands of workers and activists, hosting cross-country town halls and lobbying parliamentarians. In just the past few weeks, hundreds of calls were made to senators. The CLC also recognizes the New Democratic Party (NDP) for its decades of dedication to this fight and thanks the federal government for delivering on its promise to prioritize pharmacare through the confidence-and-supply agreement.
“This is a monumental win for workers and their families,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “For too long, people across this country have had to choose between putting food on the table and paying for the medications they need. Bill C-64 brings us one step closer to ending that predicament, but we still have work to do.”
Canada’s unions urge all levels of government to move swiftly and decisively to ensure this is just the beginning. Bill C-64 sets the framework, but it is essential that provincial and territorial governments sign bilateral agreements to implement the program fully and equitably across the country.
“We are celebrating today, but we know this is just the first step toward a truly comprehensive, single-payer public pharmacare program,” added Bruske. “We call on every province and territory to get on board, so that no Canadian is left behind. This is an opportunity to build a stronger, fairer healthcare system for all.”
The Canadian Labour Congress remains committed to ensuring the implementation of a national pharmacare program and looks forward to working alongside the federal government, provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to make this a reality.
“We must continue working together to finish what we’ve started,” Bruske said.
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