New Democrats just secured the crucial first steps for establishing a single-payer, universal pharmacare program – starting by covering contraceptives and diabetes medications and devices.

For too long, the Liberals and Conservatives have chosen to protect the profits of big pharmaceutical companies. In fact, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, in true Conservative fashion, announced that she would opt out of the federal pharmacare program – preventing Albertans from receiving coverage that would save them hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, and that would provide them access to the care every Canadian deserves.

It’s not a surprise; it’s what Conservatives do. They want to cut services people rely upon – especially healthcare – while giving tax giveaways to big corporations and CEOs.

Tell Danielle Smith that she is wrong to deny Albertans this essential service and that she should work with the federal government to provide this important relief to Albertans.