2012:04PU A NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
Whereas 1
In Resolution 1998.9 the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to take a lead role with the provinces in establishing a National Drug Plan for prescription drugs for all Canadians and to commit the necessary resources to establish such a plan; and
Whereas 2
There has been virtually no progress towards the creation of such a National Drug Plan in the intervening 14 years; and
Whereas 3
Six million Canadians have inadequate drug coverage, including 600,000 who have no prescription drug coverage at all; and
Whereas 4
A poll commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society in 2010 shows that 74% of Canadians support a national catastrophic drug plan; and
Whereas 5
The Federal, Provincial, and territorial governments will be in negotiations leading up to the renewal of the Canada Health Accord;
Therefore be it
Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that all Canadians eligible under the Canada Health Act have access to a national prescription drug plan that is universal and portable, including coverage for catastrophic and chronic conditions; and
Be it further
Resolved 2
That National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to take a lead role in working with the provinces and territories in establishing a National Prescription Drug Plan that is universal and portable for all Canadians eligible under the Canada Health Act, ensuring the necessary resources to support such a Plan; and
Be it further
Resolved 3
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to make such a plan a key element of the forthcoming negotiations with the provinces and territories in the renewal of the Health Accord in 2014; and
Be it further
Resolved 4
That National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada, in recognition of the high cost of prescription drugs, at a minimum, to phase-in a National Prescription Drug Plan that is universal and portable by putting in place immediately, coverage for catastrophic and chronic drug treatment which would cover individuals and families for the costs of drugs above an approved minimum threshold each year, a plan which could be enlarged to cover all drugs for all individuals and families at a subsequent date.