National pharmacare plan to be included in 2024 budget: Freeland

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was in Toronto on Saturday to officially announce that the country’s first phase of a national universal pharmacare plan will be included in the 2024 federal budget.

It’s a change of course for the federal government, which had previously stated that the plan would not be included in this year’s budget.

“People shouldnt have to choose between paying for their medication and putting food on the table. Unfortunately many are still forced to make this impossible decision.” said Ya’ara Saks, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health at the press conference.

Two federal ministers along with advocates reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing a national pharmacare plan.

“And when considering the cost of this policy, we also need to consider the cost of non action and the economic impact directly felt by women and their families. the direct cost of unintended pregnancies to women and their families is estimated to be at least $320 million.”

WATCH MORE: Feds announce first phase of national universal pharmacare plan

The announcement builds on legislation tabled last month by health minister Mark Holland that promises to make some prescription contraceptives and diabetes medications free for millions of Canadians.

On Feb. 29 Holland said the price tag of the federal pharmacare program is expected to be an estimated $1.5 billion annually, with the total cost likely to ramp up over time.

When asked about the change, Freeland said she would not speak to costs and fiscal frameworks.

“I am here today though to emphasize this is something we’re committed to… something we’re going to do… something that’s going to happen,” she told reporters.

The bill will still have to go through the legislative process and pass before the next election.

READ MORE: Ontario’s top doctor calling for restrictions on legal substances, decriminalization

Saturday’s announcement was made at the Snowden Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the country and in Toronto’s Annex neighborhood, Freeland’s home riding.

In Ontario, the Progressive Conservative government has pushed back against pressure to expand access to free birth control.

Freeland said she’s hopeful, but didn’t describe exactly how the federal government plans to convince provinces and territories to support the plan.

“I’ve been thinking back to early learning and child care. There were a lot of skeptics at the beginning when we announced that program. A lot of people said how will you convince the provinces and territories. In the end, we did.” she said.

The price tag on the national pharmacare program will be revealed when the federal government tables its budget on April 16.