Poilievre determined to block free medications for Canadians

OTTAWA—On Monday, Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called out Pierre Poilievre for refusing to stop his plans to block free birth control and free diabetes medications for millions of Canadians.

In a letter sent on Sunday, Singh called on Poilievre and his Conservatives to withdraw their amendment that would block the Pharmacare Act—the legislation that would deliver free birth control and free diabetes medications. But on Monday, Poilievre refused to withdraw the amendment and remained steadfast on blocking these measures that would lower costs for millions of Canadians—Jagmeet and the NDP won’t let him stand in the way.

“Canadians are facing a cost-of-living crisis that has real impacts on people’s health. Nearly one-in-four Canadians have reported splitting pills, skipping doses, or deciding to not fill or renew vital prescription medications due to their high costs,” said Singh. “That is why the NDP delivered free diabetes medications and free birth control that will benefit millions of Canadians.

“But Pierre Poilievre is determined to block these measures. New Democrats gave him a chance to stop his plans to block these measures, and he refused. He won’t stop handing out billions in public money to rich corporations, but he has no problem getting in your way from getting free medications when you need it. New Democrats are fighting back.”

New Democrats delivered free birth control to 9 million Canadians and free diabetes medications for 3.7 million Canadians, saving people hundreds of dollars a year. Pierre Poilievre has not only been telling Canadians he’ll take these measures away, but he is actively trying to block them.

“While Canadians scrimp and save to afford food and rent, Pierre Poilievre is clear: he doesn’t want you to have free life-saving medications. He’s telling women they shouldn’t have free birth control when they need it, and he’s telling people with diabetes, you’re on your own—while he’s been benefiting from coverage paid by the public for his whole political career.

“New Democrats won’t stand for this. Today, we will use tools at our disposal to ensure Canadians have access to free birth control and diabetes medications at the earliest opportunity. We are laser focussed on lowering costs for you and your family.”