Consider options for how best to move forward with the implementation of national pharmacare.

What success looks like

Develop options and recommendations for an affordable national pharmacare.

Government's narrative on progress

The creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (the Council) was announced in Budget 2018. The Council is leading a national dialogue on how to implement affordable national pharmacare for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. To develop its advice on national pharmacare implementation, the Council is tasked with: • conducting an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models; • working closely with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders; and, • consulting with Canadians, as well as experts and stakeholders from relevant fields. On March 5, 2019, the Council provided an interim report to the Minister of Health and Minister of Finance. Guided by consultations and interim report, Budget 2019 announced the Government’s intention to work with its partners to move forward on three foundational elements of national pharmacare. These include: working with provinces, territories and stakeholders on the creation of a Canadian Drug Agency; taking steps toward the development of a national formulary; and, creating a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases. The Council's final report will be delivered in the spring of 2019 and will include options and recommendations as to what measures the federal government should take.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.