An Act respecting pharmacare
Pharmacare Act. Royal assent October 10, 2024 (S.C. 2024, c. 21). First-phase federal pharmacare law. Federal government pays for two drug categories: contraceptives (covering all hormonal contraceptives plus copper IUDs for an estimated 9 million people of reproductive age) and diabetes medications (covering insulin and the major oral diabetes drugs for an estimated 3.7 million Canadians with diabetes). Implemented through federal-provincial bilateral agreements; provinces opt in. British Columbia, Manitoba, Yukon, and Prince Edward Island signed agreements during 2024-2025. Sponsored by Mark Holland as Minister of Health.
Status
Quick learn
Sets up the first stage of federal pharmacare: covers diabetes medications and contraception for everyone with provincial health-card coverage, once each province signs a bilateral implementation deal with Ottawa. Limited in scope but creates the legislative framework for expansion in future Parliaments.
Issues this bill touches
- Cost of Living
Out-of-pocket savings on contraception and diabetes meds for covered patients.
- Healthcare
Pharmacare Act first phase. Federal cost sharing on contraception and diabetes medications, with bilateral provincial agreements.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the House of Commons.
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Third reading in the House of Commons.
View source - First reading
First reading in the Senate.
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Second reading in the Senate.
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Third reading in the Senate.
View source - Royal assent
Royal assent received.
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Sponsored by
Mark HollandLIBERALOfficial source
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