Overview

• Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will sign pharmacare agreements with every province and territory, ending months of uncertainty about further deals.
• Only Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon have agreements so far, accounting for more than 60% of the $1.5 billion start-up fund.
• The first phase launched last year covers contraceptives and some diabetes medications with universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage.
• Earlier signals of a pause from Health Minister Marjorie Michel drew warnings about a patchwork system, and protest organizers called Carney’s renewed commitment a positive step.
• An expert committee will report to the health minister by Oct. 10, Parliament returns Monday, and an October federal budget will set fiscal parameters for the program.