Government Fails to Act on Pharmacare, Neglecting Affordability and Healthcare Access

NL NDP
5 days ago
2 min read

For Immediate Release

July 11, 2025

As the healthcare system continues to face growing pressure, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is calling out the provincial government for refusing to work with Ottawa to join the federal Pharmacare program.

Signing on to the federal Pharmacare program would ensure that people can access and afford the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. Dinn says that governments continued refusal to collaborate with Ottawa and secure this support is deeply irresponsible and unacceptable.

“Signing onto the federal Pharmacare program would help cover the cost of diabetes medications and devices for the one in three people in this province living with diabetes or pre-diabetes,” said Dinn. “Yet this government continues to sit on the sidelines, leaving millions in federal funding untouched, while people struggle to afford the care they need.

“Research shows that providing free prescription medications not only improves health outcomes but also significantly reduces overall costs to the healthcare system,” Dinn added. “At a time when healthcare workers are sounding the alarm daily, why isn’t this government doing everything in its power to ease the strain? The solutions are right in front of them—they’re just choosing not to act.”

Dinn points out that while the government claims to be addressing affordability, its refusal to sign on to the federal Pharmacare program tells a different story.

“If the government was serious about addressing the cost of living, they would start by ensuring people can afford the medications they rely on—by signing onto the federal Pharmacare program and bringing much-needed federal dollars into the province,” said Dinn. “This is a simple, cost-free step that would make a real difference, yet they refuse to act.

“The Premier just scrapped the sugar tax, which helped fund the Glucose Monitor Program. Now, instead of scrambling to replace that money, there is a straightforward solution—work with Ottawa, secure federal funding, and make diabetes medications, including glucose monitors, even more accessible. Why won’t they do it?”

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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca