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Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

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Canada and British Columbia Sign Pharmacare Agreement

On March 6, 2025, Health Canada announced a pharmacare agreement with British Columbia, involving a $670 million investment over four years to provide universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medications. The agreement, signed by Canada's Health Minister Mark Holland and BC's Health Minister Josie Osborne, aims to cover a range of contraceptives and diabetes supplies at little to no cost, benefiting over 1.3 million British Columbians. Additionally, it includes hormone replacement therapy coverage starting March 2026, enhancing health care for women and gender diverse individuals.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Prince Edward Island Finalize Pharmacare Agreement

The Government of Canada and Prince Edward Island agreed on a pharmacare initiative, announced by Health Minister Mark Holland and PEI Health Minister Mark McLane on March 7, 2025. With a federal investment of $40 million, the plan will provide over $30 million for contraceptives and diabetes medications, benefiting over 41,000 Islanders. An additional $10 million will enhance rare disease drug access, screening, and diagnostics. Coverage for these medications starts May 1, 2025, marking a significant step towards improved health equity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca