National

B.C. Health Minister Says Feds To Join Province's Bulk-Buy Drug Alliance

The Canadian Press, 19 Jan, 2016 12:51 PM

VICTORIA — The federal Liberal government is set to join other Canadian provinces and territories in a bulk-buying drug program that aims to lower the cost of prescription medications.

British Columbia's Health Minister Terry Lake revealed the news and says federal government participation in the program will greatly enhance the purchasing power of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

The announcement which is expected to be confirmed by federal Health Minister Jane Philpott comes as the country's ministers gather in Vancouver this week to discuss issues such as chronic diseases, drug costs and funding formulas.

Lake says Ottawa's participation in the alliance will increase drug purchasing power for provinces, territories and the federal government.

He notes that the federal government administers drug plans for Canada's military, the RCMP and First Nations.

Philpott has already signalled she expects discussions this week to focus primarily on policy issues and transforming a health accord, which provides the provinces and territories with stable funding and sets national standards.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland Says Renegotiation Of Pacific Trade Deal Not Possible

Freeland said the treaty negotiated by the Harper government during the election campaign is very complicated, involving 12 countries along the Pacific Rim that make up 40 per cent of the global economy.

Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland Says Renegotiation Of Pacific Trade Deal Not Possible

Toronto Stock Exchange Begins Friday With Another Big Drop, Loonie Weak

TORONTO — Canada's biggest stock market, the loonie and crude oil futures were down Friday morning but above their early lows.

Toronto Stock Exchange Begins Friday With Another Big Drop, Loonie Weak

Saskatchewan Mother Says Christian Prayer Doesn't Belong In Public Schools

Dusti Hennenfent says she's upset the prayer is recited each morning at Moose Jaw's Lindale Elementary School, where her two children attend classes.

Saskatchewan Mother Says Christian Prayer Doesn't Belong In Public Schools

Passenger Advocate Concerned Over New Low-Cost Airline's Lack Of Licence

Halifax-based Gabor Lukacs says people should be alarmed that it's an unlicensed company, saying that leaves passengers with a financial risk.

Passenger Advocate Concerned Over New Low-Cost Airline's Lack Of Licence

'He's A Harmless Child:' Family Shocked After Boy Attacked, Left In Dumpster

It wasn't until the next day that Morrissette found out his intellectually disabled boy, Jean-Micheal, had been found in a Winnipeg garbage bin as temperatures dipped to -15 C.

'He's A Harmless Child:' Family Shocked After Boy Attacked, Left In Dumpster

'Diligent' Review Expected Of Inquest Findings On Saskatchewan Inmate's Death

Jeff Campbell, a department spokesman, says officials will respond once they've done a full review of the recommendations brought back by a coroner's jury in the case of Andy Allan Brassard.