VICTORIA—The federal government joined the provinces and territories on Jan. 19 in a program to buy drugs in bulk, a sign of a thaw in relations over the national health agenda.
Health Minister Jane Philpott said drug plans administered by the federal government will unite with the provincial and territorial pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance to negotiate lower prices on brand-name and generic drugs. Ottawa didn’t join the alliance when it was formed five years ago.
Prof. Michael Prince, a University of Victoria health policy expert, said the federal government’s decision to get involved in the plan adds strength to the program.
“The federal government is the fifth or sixth of the largest health-care providers in the country,” he said. “It’s a major health-care provider and player in its own right and bringing the government of Canada to the table is going to be very helpful.”
