Podcasts about national pharmacare

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR THURSDAY, MAY 30th   It feels like the wait times at clinics and for doctors just keeps getting longer and longer, but is that actually the case? We catch up with Nadeem Esmail, Senior Fellow with the Fraser Institute for details on the latest data on medical wait times in Alberta compared to the remainder of Canada.   Next, a lot has been discussed when it comes to the National Pharmacare proposal for our country, but does the plan put us on the ‘right track', or are there more issues we need to iron out and discuss? We tackle the topic with John Adams, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.   We've heard a lot of concerns from parents and educators about the use of AI in the classroom, but a new tool developed by the University of Calgary is working to turn AI into a ‘positive' in the education system. We get details on the project from Soroush Sabbaghan, Associate Professor at Werklund School of Education at the U of C.

The federal government is launching a new National Pharmacare Plan--and as part of this plan, many kinds of diabetes medication will be covered. We hear reaction to this news from a woman with Type 1 diabetes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

To start, the plan will only cover drugs related to diabetes and contraception. Ontario Today is joined by Dr. Eric Hoskins, a former Ontario health minister and chair the advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare

Nobody will be surprised to learn Alberta and Ottawa are at odds again. This time, it's over the funding and management of Pharmacare. Alberta was the first province to publicly decline the federal government's proposal for a national program...but is that actually a good move for everyday Albertans?  4:15 | Dr. Rupider Toor explains why she thinks Alberta should sign on to the national Pharmacare plan.  DR. TOOR'S PREVIOUS REAL TALK INTERVIEW: rtrj.info/081723Toor  PROJECT EMPOWHER: https://projectempowher.ca/ 26:25 | Take Back Alberta founder David Parker says he's seen the light. He says, after speaking with Premier Danielle Smith, he's done with vicious online attacks against his political opponents. Do you buy it? Does it matter?  37:15 | We had a big response to our March 6 episode about harm reduction with Euan Thomson and Anthony Furey. Ryan and Johnny discuss.  42:00 | Real Talker Emily gives us the goods re: how she feels about a national Pharmacare plan.  EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  44:30 | It's DUMPING snow in Jasper right now! We show off a few photos of the brand new Knob Quad Chair at Marmot Basin and tee up the spring social schedule on the mountain in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. LEARN MORE: https://www.skimarmot.com/ 47:30 | Johnny's been riding the bus to work for a while now, and says it's not the experience he was expecting. His comments lead to a bigger conversation about social supports, and a reference tto our interview with Guy Felicella and Dr. Andrea Sereda. GUY FELICELLA ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/051723Felicella 1:03:30 | We've got an update to the story of that tailings pond leak contaminating the land and water near the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.  1:05:15 | We remember Kyle Dube. WATCH OUR DUBE INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/040623Dube FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland has released the long-awaited details for a national pharmacare plan. We talk to a family physician who thinks the legislation doesn't go far enough. Next, amid an increase in demand for IVF treatment, the province will soon pay for one round of treatment. We hear why this is important to people in B.C.

Hon. Adriana LaGrange, provincial health minister and MLA for Red Deer-North Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hon. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal NDP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada is facing criticism from NATO and allies regarding our defense spending - or lack thereof. What needs to be done to address the issue? We discuss with Mercedes Stephenson - Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief & Host of the West Block. Next - what sort of an impact could access to free prescription contraception have on our healthcare system and why is it a crucial component of a National Pharmacare Program? We get the thoughts of Melina Albanese - PhD Candidate in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Finally, Canadians now have fewer options for cheap flights as Lynx Airlines has been permanently grounded. We discuss just what this means for the Canadian aviation industry – and for budget-conscious travelers - with “The Travel Lady” - Lesley Keyter.

Aiming for a safer online experience. The federal government says its law will limit content that sexualizes children, incites violence or qualifies as hate speech. Also: Alberta plans to opt out of any national pharmacare program and wants to be compensated for it. Plus: Breathable. Lightweight. And see-through? Major League Baseball's new uniforms are revealing a little more than expected.

The Federal Liberals announced first steps in creating a National Pharmacare plan. Michelle McQuigge from the Canadian Press has more on this story. From the February 26, 2024, episode.

A pharmacare advocate with the Avalon Chapter of the Council of Canadians fears the federal Liberals are backing away from a meaningful national medical drug plan. (Anthony Germain with Yvonne Earle)

LEAD-TUNE INTO THE TOWN: TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW'S BUDGET FINALIZED Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. This week: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's budget has been finalized with a 9.5 per cent tax hike for residents. The Mayor is also providing additional funding to the Toronto Police Service.  WHAT SHOULD A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Kyro Maseh, Pharmacist and owner at Lawlor Pharmacy in Toronto, and George Smitherman, a former Ontario Liberal Deputy Premier and health minister and Dr. Steve Morgan, Professor of healthcare policy at the University of British Columbia and an expert in pharmaceutical policy. The federal NDP wants the Trudeau Liberals to deliver a national pharmacare program for Canadians soon. But the question remains: what should that look like?  PPE GROUP SUES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR "MISLEADING" THEM Libby Znaimer is joined by Barry Hunt, President, Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers.  The CAPPEM is suing the federal government for a whooping $5 billion alleging that Ottawa mislead its member businesses by not delivering on a promise to buy PPE equipment during the pandemic that they ramped up production for.   Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Is the national pharmacare program in limbo? Plus - why does a school board chair want to limit media interviews? 

NB Social Development Minister Jill Green takes reporter's questions on the St. Stephen homelessness crisis. A new report recommends measures to protect the PEI coastline. And on the phone-in, we discuss a national pharmacare program.

National pharmacare plan too high a price to pay to keep Liberals in power. NP op ed by Tasha Khiriddin. Guest: Tasha Kheiriddin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would happen if you suddenly need expensive medication to deal with a pressing health issue? A town hall in Bridgewater, N.S., will be asked to consider that question Tuesday evening. Guest host Preston Mulligan spoke with two people involved: Robin Tress, co-executive director of the Council of Canadians, and Bill Swann, the "lead agitator" of a group he started called Faces of Pharmacare.

Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, discusses starting his position just before Covid, shifting pharmacies to a service model, and alternative payment models to National Pharmacare. Get full access to NPC Healthbiz Weekly at healthbiz.substack.com/subscribe

Canadian healthcare is often mistaken for a truly universal system. Even medical doctors will tell you that while it saves lives, our Medicare still only covers the basics — and universal, single-payer, public Canadian Pharmacare is desperately needed. Today on the pod, Canada's former federal minister of health, the Honourable Dr. Jane Philpott⁠, joins us to expand on her recent op-ed for The Globe and Mail: 'Canada is failing to meet the moment on the cost of medication' . Dr. Philpott also reflects on her time practicing medicine in the Global South, her time in Prime Minister Trudeau's original cabinet in Ottawa, and why she feels we need a "Tommy Douglas 2.0" to drive down the exorbitant costs of prescription medication. ________ "Unless there is a concerted effort to apply pressure on the Federal and Provincial governments, the erosion of Medicare will continue unabated and might even be accelerated. Our best hope lies in the Canadian Health Coalition…for the preservation and extension of Medicare."―Tommy Douglas, father of Canadian Medicare "Canadians have considered the idea of universal drug coverage, as a complement to universal health care, for over five decades. For such a long-standing debate there is a surprising level of consensus. After hearing from many thousands of Canadians, we found a strongly held, shared belief that everyone in Canada should have access to prescription drugs based on their need and not their ability to pay, and delivered in a manner that is fair and sustainable. That's why our council has recommended that Canada implement universal, single-payer, public pharmacare."—2019 Final Report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, chaired by Dr. Eric Hoskins ________City and Nuuchimii is independently produced and co-hosted by Maïtée Saganash and Jenn Jefferys. Reach us at citynuuchimii@gmail.com or @citynuuchimii. Click here to subscribe now.

According to a recent Innovative Medicines Canada report, growth in chronic diseases and increased drug claims are two key factors increasing the cost of drug claims. What disparities need to be addressed in order to ensure medicines are accessible to all Canadians? To help us with the discussion is Pamela Fralick. Pamela is the President and CEO of Innovative Medicines Canada.

Canadian Common Sense: Remembering our colleague John Copsey Charles talks about the sudden passing of our network news anchor John Copsey. Dealing with mental health challenges A personal story from Lorrie.  Guest - Lorrie Goldstein - Sun Media editor emeritus and columnist Pandemic stress leading to an increase in mental health issues. What are the red flags? How can we help? An important discussion and information on where to call and what to do.  Guest - Jonny Morris - CEO Canadian Mental Health Association BC Meet the Canadian MP spearheading the call for a national pharmacare What would a national pharmacare program look like? Guest - Peter Julian - NDP Critic; MP representing New Westminster-Burnaby The new Covid-19 variants and if we should be wearing double masks Also, what to do with travel restrictions? Guest - Cynthia Carr - Winnipeg epidemiologist; health policy specialist; and founder of EPI Research Inc.  Connection between good diet and better mental health Which dietary choices can help our mood? Guest - Alyssa Bauman - Holistic Nutritionist Nourished.ca Subscribe to the Charles Adler Tonight podcast to hear more: https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/135/charles-adler-tonight/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that if you don't have private health insurance, you likely have to pay for life-saving drugs out of your own pocket? Did you know that Canada's healthcare ranks second last out of 10 countries? Without pharmacare, Canada's “healthcare” system is NOT universal.In part 2 of our healthcare series, Doret Cheng, a practicing pharmacist and university lecturer on global health, explains why healthcare equality is NOT equity, and how we can afford a national pharmacare program.As a bonus, I ask Doret her thoughts on how a COVID vaccine should be equitably distributed.In this episode[00:04:04]   When equality is not equity: patient discharge stories[00:13:34]   Canada's healthcare is second worst out of OECD countries[00:16:38]   The case for national pharmacare: we actually SAVE money[00:21:08]   The government's plan for national pharmacare – there is one?![00:27:00]   COVID vaccine – who gets it first?[00:31:50]   Doret's lessons learned – listening to patients results in better health outcomesFull transcript available here.Guest bio and references:Doret Cheng is a pharmacist with 20 years of patient care experience in community pharmacies, hospitals, and global healthcare as far away as Uganda.Doret is of Chinese ethnicity, born in Ghana, immigrated to Edmonton, Canada as a child, and now lives in Toronto, where she currently practices at St. Mike's Hospital, Academic Family Health Team. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, teaching on global health.References:Find Doret on: LinkedInData on Canada's ranking with OECD countries:https://interactives.commonwealthfund.org/2017/july/mirror-mirror/Canadian Government Websites on National Pharmacare:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2019/06/the-advisory-council-on-the-implementation-of-national-pharmacare-recommends-canada-implement-universal-single-payer-public-pharmacare.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/implementation-national-pharmacare/final-report.html

In episode 21, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows explain their disappointment in not being asked to advertise GSC’s own SureHealth product on the podcast (@1:09) before welcoming (for the third time) CLHIA’s President and CEO Stephen Frank to talk about industry happenings, starting with National Pharmacare and post-election predictions (@4:00). Stephen and David then segue into the important topic of the CCIR and their focus on the “Fair Treatment of Customers”, as well as touch on one of the most talked about industry initiatives, CLHIA's G19 (@15:10). Stephen gives an overview of the successful CLHIA “Fraud = Fraud” campaign, and discusses the industry’s continuing focus on better managing fraud (22:28). The discussion wraps with a quick chat about progress being made in the area of drug cost reform (30:41).

Chapter 1

As the federal government's Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare calls for a universal, single-payer system for prescription drug coverage in Canada, a new report from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute – part of its ongoing series on access to and perceptions of health care among those ages 55 and older – finds a significant number of Canadians this age struggling to afford prescription medications.   Guest:  Shachi Kurl  Executive Director of the Angus Reid Institute

June 12 marked the release of the Final Report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Council recommended that Canada adopt universal, single-payer pharmacare, and set out a plan for how to go about it. Currently, Canada is an outlier: we have among the highest per capita pharmaceutical spending in the world, and are the only OECD country to have universal health insurance without drug coverage. We know the issues, and we’ve been debating them since the dawn of Canadian medicare. So why hasn’t there been more movement on this file? The IRPP’s own Colin Busby, who heads up the Faces of Aging research program, joins the podcast to discuss the history of pharmacare in Canada and the hurdles to implementation. For a summary of some of his main points, check out his piece for Policy Options: https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/june-2019/big-hurdles-remain-in-pharmacare-implementation-plan/ Download for free. New episodes every second Wednesday. Tweet your questions and comments to @IRPP or @jbugiel.

In episode 2 of the poverty policy series, the Dignity for All team discusses the right to health and the need for national pharmacare for all, with Melanie Benard from the Canadian Health Coalition.

Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor; Former B.C. premier Christy Clark and former Alberta premier Alison Redford; Environment Minister Catherine McKenna; The Toronto Star's Tonda MacCharles, CTV News' Joyce Napier, CTV News Chief Political Commentator Craig Oliver, former Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall and NDP MP Nathan Cullen.

Host Sarah Turnbull is joined by /Thread panelists Shannon Proudfoot of Maclean's and David Reevely of The Canadian Press. The trio discuss: the federal government's announcement to ban single-use plastics by 2021, the details of the report by the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, led by Dr. Eric Hoskins, and the Toronto Raptors' historic NBA finals win. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'}  

Host Sarah Turnbull is joined by /Thread panelists Shannon Proudfoot of Maclean's and David Reevely of The Canadian Press. The trio discuss: the federal government's announcement to ban single-use plastics by 2021, the details of the report by the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, led by Dr. Eric Hoskins, and the Toronto Raptors' historic NBA finals win.    

Yesterday, the Liberal government's appointed advisory council on national pharmacare released a 171-page final report outlining a new universal, single payer system to cover prescription drugs. Dr. Eric Hoskins is Chair of the panel, and says that it will save Canadians money. Canada is the only country with a universal health care system that doesn't also cover prescription medication and that's one of the reasons Canadians pay the third-highest per capita drug costs among developed countries. It's also one of the reasons that 20% of Canadians – one in five - don't fill their prescriptions or fail to take them as prescribed. While older Canadians are generally covered by a patchwork of provincial programs, studies have shown that those in the 55-64 age bracket without employer coverage are most at risk. Should we undertake a program that will end up costing $15 billion to cover? Libby speaks with Dr. Eric Hoskins about his Advisory Council's proposal for a national pharmacare plan, with University of British Columbia Public Health Professor, Steve Morgan, and Chief Public Policy Officer of CARP, Laura Tamblyn Watts.

Photo: (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) A government national pharmacare plan could reduce patient access to drugs, say insurers. This comes after an expert panel recommended that Canada should have a single payer national pharmacare plan. Guest: Ian Lee. Sprott School of Business. Carleton University.

Some Conservative insiders are saying that Ontario Premier Doug Ford is planning on shuffling his cabinet soon. Guest: Richard Brennan, retired journalist with the Toronto Star. Covered Queen's Park and Parliament Hill. A local MP is angered when it comes to legislation that he created to help families of murder victims because it's not being adhered to by the Parole Board of Canada. Guest: David Sweet. MP for Flamborough-Glanbrook. A government national pharmacare plan could reduce patient access to drugs, say insurers. This comes after an expert panel recommended that Canada should have a single payer national pharmacare plan. Guest: Ian Lee. Sprott School of Business. Carleton University.

Canada has a universal medicare system, but there is a big gap when it comes to ensuring people can afford the medication they need. Currently, one in four households can’t afford their prescription drugs. The Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare has just issued an interim report to the federal government. Melanie Benard is with the Canadian Health Coalition. We asked her for her reaction to the report.

Canada has a universal medicare system, but there is a big gap when it comes to ensuring people can afford the medication they need. Currently, one in four households can’t afford their prescription drugs. The Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare has just issued an interim report to the federal government. Melanie Benard is with the Canadian Health Coalition. We asked her for her reaction to the report.

“A Canadian (Drug) sticker price that comes down -at all- is a big threat south of the border (to the US’s) automobile dealership sales technique for drugs (&) the world’s most inflated, most ridiculous, if I can say, list prices of medicines.” Steve Morgan believes National Pharmacare would serve Canadians better than the current system. Today Canada’s drug coverage is ...

Of all the developed countries with universal, single-payer health care systems, Canada is the only one that does not include coverage for prescription drugs. There are currently 23 different public drug and supplementary plans within Alberta alone, but they provide benefits for just 20% of Albertans. Within Canada we have a patchwork of drug coverage, with more than 100,000 different drug and supplementary plans, yet, 1 in 10 Canadians cannot afford their prescription drugs. Even if we factor in private and work plans, which cannot be relied upon, the cost of plans are expensive and copayments are cost-prohibitive. Another major shortcoming of our current patchwork system is the costly burden to our health care system, and most importantly, the human costs caused by the financial barriers to necessary and life- saving medications. This results in expensive hospitalization and ultimately, in far too many cases, death. In a 2015 Angus Reid Poll, 91% of Canadians (92% of Albertans) supported a National Pharmacare Plan. Our health care system is at the cusp of a historical expansion unmatched since the inception of Medicare. The federal government, along with their provincial counterparts, is currently in conversations as to what the implementation of a national pharmacare program would look like. It has taken decades of advocacy to reach this momentous tipping point. The speaker will argue that this is a critical moment politically and explain why Friends of Medicare supports the establishment of a single-payer national pharmacare program with universal coverage for all Canadians. Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra Azocar has been an advocate for a fair and equal society for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her past experience includes working as a child protection worker, and volunteer work within the Chilean community as well as the labour movement. She has served in many positions in the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) including Vice-President from 2007-2012. Sandra had also served on the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2012. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Health Coalition, Public Interest Alberta and the Board of the Chilean Canadian Cultural Society. She is an oft-quoted, tireless advocate for the protection and improvement of the Alberta's Public health Care system. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, Jan 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Of all the developed countries with universal, single-payer health care systems, Canada is the only one that does not include coverage for prescription drugs. There are currently 23 different public drug and supplementary plans within Alberta alone, but they provide benefits for just 20% of Albertans. Within Canada we have a patchwork of drug coverage, with more than 100,000 different drug and supplementary plans, yet, 1 in 10 Canadians cannot afford their prescription drugs. Even if we factor in private and work plans, which cannot be relied upon, the cost of plans are expensive and copayments are cost-prohibitive. Another major shortcoming of our current patchwork system is the costly burden to our health care system, and most importantly, the human costs caused by the financial barriers to necessary and life- saving medications. This results in expensive hospitalization and ultimately, in far too many cases, death. In a 2015 Angus Reid Poll, 91% of Canadians (92% of Albertans) supported a National Pharmacare Plan. Our health care system is at the cusp of a historical expansion unmatched since the inception of Medicare. The federal government, along with their provincial counterparts, is currently in conversations as to what the implementation of a national pharmacare program would look like. It has taken decades of advocacy to reach this momentous tipping point. The speaker will argue that this is a critical moment politically and explain why Friends of Medicare supports the establishment of a single-payer national pharmacare program with universal coverage for all Canadians. Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra Azocar has been an advocate for a fair and equal society for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her past experience includes working as a child protection worker, and volunteer work within the Chilean community as well as the labour movement. She has served in many positions in the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) including Vice-President from 2007-2012. Sandra had also served on the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2012. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Health Coalition, Public Interest Alberta and the Board of the Chilean Canadian Cultural Society. She is an oft-quoted, tireless advocate for the protection and improvement of the Alberta's Public health Care system. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, Jan 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Of all the developed countries with universal, single-payer health care systems, Canada is the only one that does not include coverage for prescription drugs. There are currently 23 different public drug and supplementary plans within Alberta alone, but they provide benefits for just 20% of Albertans. Within Canada we have a patchwork of drug coverage, with more than 100,000 different drug and supplementary plans, yet, 1 in 10 Canadians cannot afford their prescription drugs. Even if we factor in private and work plans, which cannot be relied upon, the cost of plans are expensive and copayments are cost-prohibitive. Another major shortcoming of our current patchwork system is the costly burden to our health care system, and most importantly, the human costs caused by the financial barriers to necessary and life- saving medications. This results in expensive hospitalization and ultimately, in far too many cases, death. In a 2015 Angus Reid Poll, 91% of Canadians (92% of Albertans) supported a National Pharmacare Plan. Our health care system is at the cusp of a historical expansion unmatched since the inception of Medicare. The federal government, along with their provincial counterparts, is currently in conversations as to what the implementation of a national pharmacare program would look like. It has taken decades of advocacy to reach this momentous tipping point. The speaker will argue that this is a critical moment politically and explain why Friends of Medicare supports the establishment of a single-payer national pharmacare program with universal coverage for all Canadians. Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra Azocar has been an advocate for a fair and equal society for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her past experience includes working as a child protection worker, and volunteer work within the Chilean community as well as the labour movement. She has served in many positions in the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) including Vice-President from 2007-2012. Sandra had also served on the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2012. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Health Coalition, Public Interest Alberta and the Board of the Chilean Canadian Cultural Society. She is an oft-quoted, tireless advocate for the protection and improvement of the Alberta's Public health Care system. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, Jan 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Of all the developed countries with universal, single-payer health care systems, Canada is the only one that does not include coverage for prescription drugs. There are currently 23 different public drug and supplementary plans within Alberta alone, but they provide benefits for just 20% of Albertans. Within Canada we have a patchwork of drug coverage, with more than 100,000 different drug and supplementary plans, yet, 1 in 10 Canadians cannot afford their prescription drugs. Even if we factor in private and work plans, which cannot be relied upon, the cost of plans are expensive and copayments are cost-prohibitive. Another major shortcoming of our current patchwork system is the costly burden to our health care system, and most importantly, the human costs caused by the financial barriers to necessary and life- saving medications. This results in expensive hospitalization and ultimately, in far too many cases, death. In a 2015 Angus Reid Poll, 91% of Canadians (92% of Albertans) supported a National Pharmacare Plan. Our health care system is at the cusp of a historical expansion unmatched since the inception of Medicare. The federal government, along with their provincial counterparts, is currently in conversations as to what the implementation of a national pharmacare program would look like. It has taken decades of advocacy to reach this momentous tipping point. The speaker will argue that this is a critical moment politically and explain why Friends of Medicare supports the establishment of a single-payer national pharmacare program with universal coverage for all Canadians. Speaker: Sandra Azocar Sandra Azocar has been an advocate for a fair and equal society for more than 30 years in Alberta. Her past experience includes working as a child protection worker, and volunteer work within the Chilean community as well as the labour movement. She has served in many positions in the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) including Vice-President from 2007-2012. Sandra had also served on the Board of Directors of Friends of Medicare for 6 years prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2012. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Health Coalition, Public Interest Alberta and the Board of the Chilean Canadian Cultural Society. She is an oft-quoted, tireless advocate for the protection and improvement of the Alberta's Public health Care system. Moderator: Robert Campbell Date: Thursday, Jan 24, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

This is it folks! The last episode-our 2018 wrap up show! Tune in to hear Megan Vallis and I review the top developments of the year. Meghan is the Senior VP of Consulting at Apri Insurance Services Inc. As one of the industry's brightest stars, it was amazing to hear her thoughts on these topics. We cover everything from National Pharmacare, Pharmacogenetics, Virtual Care, HSA's and even give you a warning that the Robots are coming! Finally, Meghan lays out her predictions for 2019. It's been a great year for the podcast. I hope you have enjoyed it! RB

This is it folks! The last episode-our 2018 wrap up show! Tune in to hear Megan Vallis and I review the top developments of the year. Meghan is the Senior VP of Consulting at Apri Insurance Services Inc. As one of the industry's brightest stars, it was amazing to hear her thoughts on these topics. We cover everything from National Pharmacare, Pharmacogenetics, Virtual Care, HSA's and even give you a warning that the Robots are coming! Finally, Meghan lays out her predictions for 2019. It's been a great year for the podcast. I hope you have enjoyed it! RB

This is it folks!  The last episode-our 2018 wrap up show!  Tune in to hear Megan Vallis and I review the top developments of the year.  Meghan is the Senior VP of Consulting at Apri Insurance Services Inc.  As one of the industry's brightest stars, it was amazing to hear her thoughts on these topics.  We cover everything from National Pharmacare, Pharmacogenetics, Virtual Care, HSA's and even give you a warning that the Robots are coming!  Finally, Meghan lays out her predictions for 2019.  It's been a great year for the podcast.  I hope you have enjoyed it! RB

This is it folks! The last episode-our 2018 wrap up show! Tune in to hear Megan Vallis and I review the top developments of the year. Meghan is the Senior VP of Consulting at Apri Insurance Services Inc. As one of the industry's brightest stars, it was amazing to hear her thoughts on these topics. We cover everything from National Pharmacare, Pharmacogenetics, Virtual Care, HSA's and even give you a warning that the Robots are coming! Finally, Meghan lays out her predictions for 2019. It's been a great year for the podcast. I hope you have enjoyed it! RB

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: National Pharmacare Expert Panel On How a National Pharmacare Plan and Regulatory Reforms Impact Ontario's Patients, the Life Sciences Industry and Health System The federal government is considering a national pharmacare plan and fundamental changes to how the prices of innovative medicines are regulated in Canada. How will these reforms affect Ontario's patients and the province's vibrant and growing life sciences sector? This Empire Club of Canada Luncheon Panel moderated by Ms. Jane Taber will feature a dynamic discussion with Canadian pollster Mr. Nik Nanos and leaders from Canadian public policy, patient advocacy and health system Moderator: Jane Taber, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, NATIONAL Public Relations; Former Political Correspondent Polling Presentation: Nik Nanos, Chairman, Nanos Research Group of Companies Panelists: Michael Decter, President & CEO, LDIC Inc.; Former Deputy Minister of Health in Ontario Sean Speer, Senior Fellow in Public Policy at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and Senior Fellow for fiscal policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders Closing Remarks: Jason Field, President and CEO, Life Sciences Ontario *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

The Sunday Edition   Jill speaks with Aaron Wudrick, Executive Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation about national pharmacare, Mike Klassen, Contributor to Vancouver Courier, about municipal election meddling, and Barry Tchir, Regional Vice-President for the Pacific Region Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, about the need for more lighthouse keepers.

A universal pharmacare plan for Canadians, a Policy Options podcast. As the federally appointed Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare prepares the blueprint for a national pharmacare plan, what can Canadians expect it to look like? Colleen M. Flood joins the podcast to talk about the need for universal pharmacare and how it could work within our federal system. Colleen is professor, Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, and director of the Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics at the University of Ottawa. Read the study she co-authored for the Institute: Universal Pharmacare and Federalism: Two Policy Options for Canada. Download for free. New episodes every second Wednesday. Tweet your questions and comments to @IRPP or @madihaslam.

Episode 6 - New Zealand and National Pharmacare Submit your comments on national pharmacare to the Canadian government here: https://www.letstalkhealth.ca/pharmacare Music: New York, 1924 by Ross Bugden www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ The Garden State by Audiobinger www.freemusicachive.org creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Steve Morgan, professor in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC – on the need for a national pharmacare program.                                                                                     

“There is no comparable healthcare system in the world that does not ensure universal coverage of [at least] essential medicines.” – Dr. Steve Morgan on the need for Pharmacare in Canada What would a Canadian National Pharmacare Program look like? We break it down for you this week on a special episode of The Rounds ...The post REPLAY – Is Canada Ready for National Pharmacare? appeared first on Healthy Debate.

“There is no comparable healthcare system in the world that does not ensure universal coverage of [at least] essential medicines.” – Dr. Steve Morgan on the need for Pharmacare in Canada What would a Canadian National Pharmacare Program look like? We break it down for you this week on a special episode of The Rounds ... The post REPLAY – Is Canada Ready for National Pharmacare? appeared first on Healthy Debate.

“There is no comparable healthcare system in the world that does not ensure universal coverage of [at least] essential medicines.” – Dr. Steve Morgan on the need for Pharmacare in Canada What would a Canadian National Pharmacare Program look like? We break it down for you this week on a special episode of The Rounds ... The post Is Canada Ready for National Pharmacare? appeared first on Healthy Debate.

“There is no comparable healthcare system in the world that does not ensure universal coverage of [at least] essential medicines.” – Dr. Steve Morgan on the need for Pharmacare in Canada What would a Canadian National Pharmacare Program look like? We break it down for you this week on a special episode of The Rounds ...The post Is Canada Ready for National Pharmacare? appeared first on Healthy Debate.