A national pharmacare program is what we've been asking for, for 30 years. The introduction of this opens the door to diabetic and contraceptive drugs. It is great news.
I bring myself back to when I was an ER nurse. We had to scramble to find samples to give to patients. Well, that was 30 years ago. They're still doing the same thing today, and the cost of drugs has gone up so much. We have patients, especially in the diabetic area.... There are young kids who don't know what to do. Those who can afford them have the expensive machines that click on. They're well controlled and can have an active life. Those who cannot control it and cannot afford their drugs just try to live. They don't go to school. Their parents can't go to work.
The whole issue of pharmaceutical is that it's an extension of our health care system. We've always said that your health care services don't stop after your doctor or nurse practitioner visit. They need to continue. That's what Canadians are all about. As soon as the bill is passed, we will be knocking on every health minister's door to sign on.