Yesterday, Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, passed at third reading in the House of Commons.
“This is an historic victory for the labour movement,” said IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand. “I want to thank all the IAM political activists and members who took the time to email, write, and lobby their Members of Parliament (MP) in the effort to reach this historic milestone.”
Bill C-64 represents the biggest improvement in our health care system since the creation of public health care in Canada. This coverage for contraception and diabetes drugs and devices will provide Canadians some relief from the high cost of living, and help improve their overall health.
GVP Chartrand also added, “our work is not finished, we must continue in our efforts to ensure Bill C-64 is passed quickly by the Senate, and we must continue to lobby the federal government to implement a national single-payer Pharmacare program with coverage for a more comprehensive list of prescription drugs.”
Canada’s public healthcare system, brought in by the Liberal government in 1966 via the Medical Care Act, was only enacted by pressure from the NDP and Tommy Douglas, also known as the Father of Medicare.
“In recent decades, Canadian have seen cuts to Medicare by both the Liberals and the Conservatives. It’s crucial that IAM members remain vigilant and continue lobbying their MPs to preserve and improve our health care system,” said Derek Ferguson, Grand Lodge Representative assigned to Political Action. “It’s the only way we can make sure we have a robust health care system that we can leave to our children and grandchildren.”
