National

Clock ticking as pharmacare left out of budget

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Mar, 2023 02:16 PM

OTTAWA - One of the Liberals' outstanding promises for 2023 in their deal with the NDP was conspicuously absent from the federal budget.

The confidence-and-supply agreement requires the government to table legislation on pharmacare by the end of the calendar year in exchange for the NDP's support on key votes in the House of Commons.

Both parties say that is still on track to happen, but even if a bill is introduced by December, it's unclear when a pharmacare system could be up and running.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says that when the deal was struck, the Liberals wouldn't go beyond promising a legislative framework.

When I say I'm going to fight for you – I mean it.

This week's budget shows that when New Democrats use our power, we get real things done for people.

We've saved many families up to $1700 a year.

But I'm not done.

I'll keep fighting to tip the scales in your favour. pic.twitter.com/3TRQ4swk93
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) March 29, 2023

Singh claimed a win after Tuesday's federal budget announced the government would pump billions into a new dental-care program.

But while political experts and Conservatives are calling it an NDP-inspired budget, New Democrats say that if it was truly their budget, money for pharmacare would've been part of it.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Doctors urge families to get influenza vaccine

The Canadian Paediatric Society said the advice was even more urgent for families with young kids, as influenza is spreading rapidly, along with surges of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.

Doctors urge families to get influenza vaccine

Another $1.2 billion for ocean protection: feds

The funding is part of an extra $2 billion allocated in this year’s federal budget to renew and expand the Oceans Protection Plan over nine years. Among the projects are plans to set up a national system for all marine pollution incidents, which includes preparing for releases of hazardous or noxious substances from ships.

Another $1.2 billion for ocean protection: feds

Evacuation alert due to wildfire by Agassiz, B.C.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire discovered Thursday is believed to be human-caused and is just over one hectare in size. Many parts of British Columbia have experienced drought conditions this fall, in stark contrast to the torrential rains that wreaked havoc on the province one year ago.

Evacuation alert due to wildfire by Agassiz, B.C.

New B.C. Premier David Eby hands out $100 credit

Eby says people and small businesses in the province are feeling the squeeze of global inflation and his government is focused on helping residents most impacted by the rising costs. The one-time cost-of-living credit will be applied automatically to residents' BC Hydro bills this fall.

New B.C. Premier David Eby hands out $100 credit

Anand says military can work in Asia, Europe

While the prime minister did not offer further details, the statement followed the government’s decision in the summer to send two Royal Canadian Navy frigates to the Asia-Pacific region at the same time, as a sign of Canada’s increased engagement.

Anand says military can work in Asia, Europe

Children's pain meds expected on shelves next week

One million bottles of children's medication will have been distributed to hospitals, pharmacies and retailers after next week, health officials said during a media briefing. Health Canada said production of children's acetaminophen and ibuprofen is double what it was last year, but demand is still outstripping supply.