OTTAWA—Health Minister Rona Ambrose has penned a sharply-worded letter calling for the provinces and territories to co-operate with the feds to help slash the cost of prescription drugs.
In a note sent to provincial and territorial health ministers, and obtained by The Canadian Press, Ambrose says the federal government has “repeatedly expressed interest” in participating in the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
The minister’s message is designed to apply pressure ahead of the Council of the Federation meeting of premiers, which began Wednesday, July 15, in St. John’s.
“In the lead-up to the Council of the Federation meetings ... I urge you to please encourage your premier to accept the federal government’s request to join this very successful initiative,'' Ambrose said.
The Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance was formed by the provinces and territories in 2010 to co-ordinate bulk buying and reduce costs for publicly funded drug programs.
