Statement from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on Drug Costs and the need for Universal Pharmacare

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement regarding the Canadian Medical Association Journal study, released Monday, on drug costs in Canada:

'A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal paints a picture of a major problem -- one I'm determined to fix with our NDP Pharmacare plan. 

According to the study published in the CMAJ by leading authority Dr. Steve Morgan, Canada has the second highest drug costs for common conditions compared to other countries with universal health care. This new study shows that in order to effectively lower the cost of drugs, we need bargaining power. Only a universal plan will do that - by giving the Government of Ontario the bargaining power of 14 million people.

Dr. Morgan himself joined me in Toronto as I unveiled the details of the NDP's universal Pharmacare plan, and he has fully endorsed it as the best way forward to deliver lower costs, less stress and better health for all Ontarians. It can save millions of dollars -- and it can save lives.

No one should have to empty their wallet to get the medicine they need. I'm committed to implementing Ontario's first Universal Pharmacare plan when the NDP forms government in 2018 - giving prescription drug benefits to everyone, regardless of age, income or health status.'

 

Sign up here to support Andrea Horwath and the NDP's plan for universal pharmacare: http://act.ontariondp.ca/pharmacareforeveryone