Thank you.
Ms. Hosak, B.C. has had its own pharmacare program since 1974. It was brought in by Dave Barrett's NDP government. I know there still is an income-based deductible for that program.
The national pharmacare program contained in this budget, with $1.5 billion to get it started, will eliminate these costs not only for British Columbians, but for every resident of any province or territory whose provincial government signs up because it will provide first-dollar coverage. That means people will no longer have to pay a deductible, copayment or any other out-of-pocket costs. In other words, you walk into the pharmacy, you hand over your prescription and you walk out and have your diabetes medication or device.
In your view, what impact would such a program have on you and the people you associate with in the group that you represent?