Government of Canada Establishes Committee of Experts to Make Recommendations on National Pharmacare
Ottawa, November 14, 2024 — The Government of Canada has announced the establishment of a Committee of Experts to make recommendations on the implementation of a National Pharmacare program. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Brian Day, former President of the Canadian Medical Association.
The Committee’s mandate is to provide comprehensive advice to the Government on the design, implementation, and sustainability of a National Pharmacare program. This includes considering:
- The scope of benefits to be covered
- The eligibility criteria for participation
- The funding model for the program
- The impact on the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers
- The potential benefits and challenges of a National Pharmacare program
The Committee will also examine international best practices and consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and provincial and territorial governments.
“Access to affordable prescription drugs is essential for Canadians’ health and well-being,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health. “This Committee of Experts will provide us with the evidence and advice we need to develop a National Pharmacare program that meets the needs of all Canadians.”
The Committee is expected to deliver its final report to the Government by November 2025. The Government will then review the report and make decisions on the implementation of a National Pharmacare program.
Composition of the Committee of Experts
The Committee of Experts is composed of 12 individuals with expertise in a range of fields, including medicine, pharmacy, health economics, healthcare policy, and patient advocacy. The members of the Committee are:
- Dr. Brian Day (Chair) – Former President of the Canadian Medical Association
- Dr. Christy Brisson – President of the Canadian Pharmacists Association
- Dr. Marc-André Gagnon – Professor of Health Economics at the University of Montreal
- Dr. Juhn Lee – Professor of Healthcare Policy at the University of Toronto
- Dr. Morris Markowitz – Professor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba
- Dr. Catherine Sigalet – Patient Advocate and President of the Canadian Patient Alliance
- Dr. Annick Bissonnette – Chief Executive Officer of the Association des pharmaciens des établissements de santé du Québec
- Dr. Michael McBane – CEO of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
- Dr. Ayesha Khan – President of the Canadian Medical Association
- Dr. Marie-Josée Turcotte – President of the Association des pharmaciens du Canada
- Dr. John Grant – CEO of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association
- Dr. Pauline Dakin – President of the Canadian Medical Protective Association
Timeline for the Committee’s Work
The Committee will begin its work immediately. The Committee’s timeline is as follows:
- November 2024 – March 2025: Public consultations and stakeholder engagement
- April 2025 – September 2025: Analysis of evidence and development of recommendations
- October 2025 – November 2015: Finalization of report
- November 2025: Submission of report to the Government
Next Steps
The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Committee of Experts to develop a National Pharmacare program that is comprehensive, sustainable, and meets the needs of all Canadians. The Government will review the Committee’s report and make decisions on the implementation of a National Pharmacare program in the coming months.
Contact Information
Media Relations Health Canada 613-957-2983 media@hc-sc.gc.ca
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