Author: Jane Fletcher, PhD Candidate in Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary

Despite Canada’s commitment to universal health care, one in 20 Canadians cannot afford their prescribed medications, with people from Alberta, New Brunswick and British Columbia being the most likely to say they’re missing doses due to costs. When people skip medications, it leads to more emergency room visits, costly hospital stays and worse health. Ensuring people have coverage for essential medications is crucial. In October 2024, Canada took a step forward when Bill C-64, or the Pharmacare Act, received royal assent and became law. The act will cover contraceptives for nine million Canadians, helping with family planning and managing conditions…