November 2018

The federal Liberal administration has articulated its intention to introduce a national pharmacare program. However, the particulars of this program are still unknown: what gets on the formulary? who decides? who pays? how much? and through what mechanism? This panel discussed the administrative, legal, economic, and political challenges in implementing such a program across all provinces. It also reflected on how particular implementation plans could affect Nova Scotians for better or for worse. Other panelists included: Diana Whalen, Advisory Council for the Implementation of National Pharmacare, Marc-Andre Gagnon, Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration, Maureen MacDonald, MLA for Halifax Needham between 1998 and 2016, and served as both Minister of Health and Minister of Finance for the NDP between 2009 and 2013