Pharmacare for all
“Canada’s public health-care system is often praised for being universal, but it stops abruptly at the pharmacy counter. While doctor visits and hospital stays are covered, the prescription drugs that keep people out of hospitals often are not.”
Ayah Awada & Catherine Cervin
Canadian Doctors for Medicare,
The Chronicle Herald, July 15, 2025
Why Pharmacare matters to Canadians
More Choice.
“It allows individuals to choose the medication and contraception method that works best for them and their health.”
Melanie (she/her), BC
Equal Access.
“Being able to trial and figure out which medication worked best for me for my health and lifestyle took away a significant portion of stress while learning to cope with chronic pain.”
John (he/him), YT
Financial Freedom.
“This coverage meant I got to make the best medical decision, rather than a strategic financial one that would have had a negative impact on my health.”
Jenn (she/her), PEI
Complete Coverage.
“Free coverage for contraceptives and medications is life changing, improves mental health and saves people from situations they can’t afford to be in.”
Kat (she/her), MB
Canadians can't afford a future without pharmacare
In Canada, we believe your care or the medication you receive shouldn’t depend on your wallet. But right now, it stops at the pharmacy door. The doctor’s visit is free, the medicine they prescribe isn’t. That makes no sense.
2nd highest
prices for medications in the world, behind only the U.S.
Canadians
report skipping or splitting prescriptions due to high costs.
pharmacare
guarantees every Canadian has free access to essential medications.
We’re in a critical moment in Canadian healthcare
Across Canada, people believe in health care that puts everyone on equal footing. In four provinces, that’s already happening: birth control and diabetes medicine are free for all. But in the rest of the country, people are left behind.
Now, the future of Pharmacare for the rest of Canada is uncertain. We’re calling on the government to put free medication for all back on the table.
All Canadians deserve access to free medication and contraception
How will it change your life? Tell us why Pharmacare matters to you and share your story with the country.
This campaign is authorized by:
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Photographs feature actors for illustrative purposes. Names shown have been changed to protect privacy.