As the election approaches, Canadians can now make a choice on a National Catastrophic Drug Coverage plan

Dear One & All,

With less than one week until Canadians head to the polls, we’ve seen increased media coverage of the need for a National Catastrophic Drug Coverage plan over the past several days:

• CBC weighed in on Canada’s lack of a National Pharmaceutical Strategy, calling it a “prescription unfilled”. Read the full article here.

•The Globe and Mail’s Andre Picard and Steven Chase continued their coverage of catastrophic drug coverage, analyzing each federal Party’s approach to dealing with the rising cost of prescription drugs (see question 2). Read the full article here.

As polling continues to indicate that Canada is headed for another Conservative minority, it appears that once again the issue of a national approach to catastrophic drug coverage will be swept under the rug for another day. I’ve been immensely frustrated with the Conservative’s lack of willingness to even discuss this issue, choosing to tow the party line by stating that delivery of health care is a provincial issue. The only way consistent drug coverage can be ensured from coast to coast to coast is through a strategy spearheaded at a Federal level.

As Canada’s 41st election draws to a close, I urge you to continue to speak with your local candidates about the importance of developing a National Catastrophic Drug Coverage plan.

Share the facts (http://www.fairtreatment.ca/facts/), share your stories, and ultimately, hold parties accountable for something that was committed to in 2004. Where you live shouldn’t determine if you live.

In the spirit of peace, order and good government,

Mike

Click below to read previous blog postings

As the election approaches, Canadians can now make a choice on a National Catastrophic Drug Coverage plan
Election 2011 – will we vote?
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 7: The Candidates Speak-Up
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 6
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 5
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 4
Leaders Debate Special
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 3
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 2
Have your say in next week’s federal election leaders’ debates
Mike Kennedy’s 2011 Federal Election Blog – Part 1
Cancer and the Federal Election: