AccessBC

Press Release - Novemver 25, 2024
 

AccessBC Campaign Launches National Letter Writing Campaign Calling Ottawa to Speed National Pharmacare Implementation

 

Today, November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the AccessBC Campaign has launched a new letter writing campaign urging the federal government to work towards the rapid implementation of the national Pharmacare plan.

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Parliament recently adopted Bill C-64, an Act respecting pharmacare, and this legislation promises to make prescription contraception and diabetes medication free for all Canadians. Provinces must now enter into formal agreements with the federal government concerning the implementation of this legislation. However, delays could put the implementation of this national pharmacare program at risk.

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A November 14, 2024 article from the Hill Times indicated that, more than a month after Bill C-64 received royal assent, many jurisdictions have not yet been contacted by the federal government about implementing a pharmacare agreement. 

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“The federal Conservatives have vowed to scrap the national pharmacare plan if elected, unwinding critical progress and imperilling the health and well-being of millions of Canadians,” said Teale Phelps Bondaroff, AccessBC Campaign Chair and co-founder. “With a federal election coming up next year, it is critical that formal agreements between the federal government and as many provinces get signed as quickly as possible. We need to lock this important legislation so it cannot be undone.”

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“As the only high-income country with universal healthcare without universal prescription drug coverage, this national pharmacare plan represents an enormous step forward in protecting Canadians’ health and advancing gender equality,” said Devon Black, AccessBC Campaign co-founder. “It’s critical that the federal government move quickly to reach agreements with provinces and territories to implement pharmacare agreements. Every delay impacts Canadians who struggle to access these life-saving and life-changing medications.”

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The cost of prescription contraception can be significant, and falls disproportionately on women and people who can get pregnant. A hormonal IUD can cost $500, an implant $350, oral contraceptive pills cost at least $240 per year, and hormone injections as much as $180 per year. In addition to helping prevent unplanned pregnancies, people take contraception for a wide range of reasons, including treating chronic gynaecological conditions, like ovarian cysts and endometriosis, and gender affirming care. 

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"Access to contraception is not only a cornerstone of reproductive health but also a critical safeguard against reproductive coercion and violence,” said Black. “When people have control over their contraception, they are better equipped to resist attempts to manipulate their reproductive outcomes, which is a common tactic in abusive relationships. Ensuring equitable access to contraception empowers women, promotes autonomy, and is a vital step toward preventing gender-based violence."

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In April, 2023, BC became the first Canadian province to make prescription contraception free. In the first 15 months of the program, 252,000 British Columbians accessed free prescription contraception. On September 12, 2024, the government of BC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federal government regarding single-payer, first-dollar access to select contraception and diabetes medications, but a formal agreement has yet to be signed.

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Manitoba became the second province to implement this policy on October 1, 2024, and New Brunswick’s new government has also committed to make contraception free. AccessBC’s letter writing campaign targets members of Parliament and calls on the federal government to begin negotiating pharmacare agreements with all provinces and territories as soon as possible.