Canadians Less Concerned About Pharmacare Than Other Health Issues: Study

Canadians largely do not consider pharmacare to be a significant issue, prioritizing other more pressing health care concerns, indicates recent research conducted for the Privy Council. This revelation came ahead of the federal cabinet’s decision to backtrack on a commitment made to New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh to enact a pharmacare bill by the end of 2023. According to the Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians’ Views, focus group findings suggest a general perception that prescription drugs in Canada are affordable for most, largely due to employer coverage or tax return claims, reports Blacklock’s Reporter. The research, conducted across British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, noted a significant reluctance among participants to support pharmacare if it would lead to higher taxes or increase the federal deficit. This study was part of an $814,741 contract awarded to The Strategic Counsel, a Toronto-based polling firm....