Is pharmacare on ice? Health minister says no new deals with provinces in the works

Carney government's recent budget missing cash for nationwide expansion

Marina von Stackelberg · CBC News · Posted: Nov 21, 2025

Only B.C., Manitoba, P.E.I. and Yukon have signed deals with the federal government to have contraceptive and diabetes medication paid for by Ottawa. With just four pharmacare deals, only about 17 per cent of the Canadian population is covered. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press)

Canada’s public pharmacare program appears to be in limbo, with the federal health minister confirming Ottawa isn't in talks with the remaining provinces and territories to reach deals.

This month's budget also did not include additional money to expand coverage nationwide — leaving advocates questioning the future of the public drug plan.

More than a year ago, the Trudeau Liberals passed the Canada Pharmacare Act. In it, the federal government committed to signing agreements with all provinces and territories to cover the cost of contraceptive and diabetes medications and devices.

Seen as the first step to bring in nationwide, universal drug insurance for Canadians, four provinces and territories — B.C., Manitoba, P.E.I. and Yukon — signed deals with Ottawa before the federal election.

But since then, no more agreements have been announced. Health Minister Marjorie Michel tells CBC News her department is not in active discussions to sign any others.

“For now, we have the four provinces with this coverage,” Michel said.

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