Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy
Perspectives is a Canadian journal for political economy and social democracy by the Broadbent Institute. Our publication brings boldly left-wing ideas and inquiry into public debates and policy fora for building a Canada that is just and equitable, based on the Broadbent Principles for Canadian Social Democracy.
We present commentary, long-form analysis, interviews, and other content to help inform strategists, organizers, academics, and policymakers of the theory, practice, and tactics that can be used to advance an egalitarian economy, dismantle systems of oppression, and build social movements based on justice and equality.
Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy
The Continuing Battle for Universal Pharmacare with Marc-André Gagnon
Despite Canada’s celebrated health care model, a lack of robust and universal drug coverage has resulted in a “fragmented system” that leaves ordinary Canadians without adequate care. Bill C-64 titled An Act Respecting Pharmacare was recently passed in Canada. Providing the framework for universal public drug coverage in Canada, Bill C-64 has been celebrated by some as a welcome and necessary step forward.
However, Marc-André Gagnon, Associate Professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration of Carleton University, argues that Bill C-64 has glaring flaws that allow it to fall short of providing pharmacare for all. While the legislation outlines an ideal narrative for phasing in universal pharmacare, the bill also relies on vague and ambivalent language that sets the stage for implementation favouring drug companies. If public drug coverage is not rolled out correctly, according to Gagnon, we could be left with an inefficient system that relies on the private sector, instead of true, public pharmacare for all.
Listen to the full episode to hear how the battle continues for universal pharmacare in Canada. Marc-André Gagnon’s article “Pharmacare and Access to Medicines in Canada: Is Bill C-64 a Step in the Right Direction?” is also published in Perspectives Journal no.2 and is available online here.
Notes:
Pharmacare and Access to Medicines in Canada: Is Bill C-64 a Step in the Right Direction?
REPORT - A Prescription For Canada: Achieving Pharmacare For All (The Hoskins Report)
Ghost Management Research Group
REPORT - Understanding the Gap 2.0 – The Conference Board of Canada
CARP criticizes Bill C-64's limited coverage for seniors – Benefits and Pensions Monitor