Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to welcome the witnesses taking part in the second part of this meeting.
My first questions are for the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Yves Giroux.
Mr. Giroux, I have looked carefully at your May 15 note on Bill C‑64, which states the following: “The PBO estimates that the first phase of national universal pharmacare will increase federal program spending by $1.9 billion over five years. This estimate assumes that any medications that are currently covered by provincial and territorial governments, as well as private insurance providers, will remain covered on the same terms.” This includes the Quebec program.
If I understand this analysis correctly, the $1.9 billion will benefit provinces that don't have a drug coverage program. Provinces like Quebec, which already have a drug coverage program, will receive less money.