Liberal, NDP bill to cover diabetes and birth control medication receives royal assent
Bill was part of the now-defunct governing agreement between the parties
The pharmacare bill, a key component of the political agreement between the Liberals and NDP, officially became law on Thursday night after receiving royal assent.
The legislation, which passed through the Senate without amendments, lays the groundwork for a future national, universal pharmacare program. It also enables the government to negotiate agreements with provinces and territories to cover medications for diabetes and birth control as part of the public health system.
The bill's content was carefully crafted as part of the now-ended supply-and-confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals.
British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to roll out the program in the province.
Health Minister Mark Holland has expressed his goal of having all provinces and territories on board by next spring.
