Pharmacare
Universal Access to Essential Medicines for All Canadians
Millions of people in Canada do not take essential medicines because they cannot afford them. Specifically, this affects outpatients – people who receive medical treatments but do not need to be in a hospital. Access to medicines depends on private insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket, making it inequitable or unfair.
The Pharmacare Act came into force on October 10, 2024. It established the foundational principles for the implementation of national universal pharmacare in Canada and required the Minister of Health to establish a committee of experts.
“The report of the Committee of Experts provides us with important guidance to achieve national universal pharmacare,” said Steven Staples, National Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Canadian Health Coalition. “Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel should consider each of its recommendations carefully and move the program forward. Millions of Canadians are waiting for the Liberal government to fulfill its promise to deliver national universal pharmacare.”
This report presents a comprehensive framework for universal, single-payer, publicly administered pharmacare in Canada. It is grounded in the recognition of access to essential medicines as a human right and will:
- close gaps in medication access
- reduce health disparities
- improve health outcomes
- save billions of dollars
Download a copy of the Report of the National Pharmacare Committee of Experts 2025
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