August 5th, 2025
Stiles to Ford: Defend progress on pharmacare and ensure Ottawa keeps their promise to Ontarians
TORONTO — Leader of the Official Opposition NDP Marit Stiles is urging Premier Doug Ford to stand up for Ontarians and hold the federal government to their commitment on delivering pharmacare. The request comes after the Federal Minister of Health refused to commit to funding pharmacare in all provinces and territories:
“Today in Ontario, too many patients are rationing medication or forgoing treatment altogether because they cannot afford the cost of their prescriptions. 1 in 5 Canadians are going without coverage for medication costs, and Ontario ranks among the top provinces with the highest drug deductibles,” wrote Stiles.
The governments of Manitoba, British Columbia, PEI and Yukon have already signed bilateral agreements that will see contraception and diabetes supplies covered for their residents. However, the federal government has yet to sign an agreement with Ontario.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, we must ensure that workers, families – and all Ontarians – are not stuck paying out-of-pocket for their essential medications. People are counting on us.
“People all around the world recognize Canada as a leader in treating health care as a right. Now more than ever, we need to stand firm for those Canadian values and protect them.
“But with signs the federal Liberal government is backing away from the commitment to deliver on Pharmacare, it is essential that Ontario step up, hold the Liberals to their commitment and secure an agreement.”