EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park
Ontario’s Ministry of Health says the province has yet to hear from the federal government about striking a pharmacare deal, despite federal Health Minister Mark Holland's assertion that he will have agreements with all provinces by spring 2025.
"Ontario, like many provinces, have yet to receive any details on the federal government's proposal since they tabled their bill in February,” said Hannah Jensen, a spokesperson for Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones, in a statement to The Trillium.
“We remain prepared to work collaboratively with the federal government to reach a deal that benefits Ontario families, but the legislation alone does not provide enough detail for that. Our hope is that we can begin substantive conversations as soon as possible (to) reach that goal."
The federal government’s Bill C-64 received royal assent earlier this month. At the time, Holland told reporters that he thinks it “absolutely is possible” to strike agreements with all provinces and territories by the spring to provide coverage for diabetes medications and contraceptives as part of the public health system.
Holland’s office wouldn’t provide an estimated timeline for when the federal government will begin working with Ontario on pharmacare, only that it looks forward to doing so.
A spokesperson also reiterated that informal discussions have taken place with all provinces and territories, something Ontario disputes.
The only province to sign a memorandum of understanding related to pharmacare so far is British Columbia. Under this agreement, the federal government has agreed to use the funds to cover hormone therapy for women, as oral contraceptives are already covered under the provincial plan.
The spring deadline also comes as other premiers express concerns and dissatisfaction with the plan for universal coverage, with Alberta’s health minister suggesting the province may opt-out.
