February 27, 2025 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Health Canada
No one should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table. That's why the Government of Canada is taking action so Canadians can get the medication they need, regardless of their ability to pay.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, announced a $267 million federal investment as part of two bilateral agreements to improve access to affordable medications for Manitobans.
Through this first-ever national pharmacare agreement, the Government of Canada will provide more than $219 million over four years for universal coverage to a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications for Manitobans. Through this historic agreement, Manitoba residents will receive this coverage at little to no direct cost to them. The funding from this agreement will also improve access to diabetes devices and supplies.
This will support the reproductive freedom of nearly 350,000 Manitobans and make sure that over 149,000 Manitobans with diabetes can access essential medications to reduce their risk of serious health complications and improve their quality of life.
As part of this agreement, Manitoba will also provide free public coverage of hormone replacement therapy to residents. This additional coverage is a significant step to improve health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.
Manitoba residents can anticipate beginning to receive coverage for the majority of these products in June 2025.
In addition, the Government of Canada will provide over $48 million to improve access to drugs for rare diseases, early diagnosis, and screening, to support the province in providing access under the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases.
Through this agreement, Manitoba will work with Canada and other provinces and territories (PTs) to develop and implement a plan for improved screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.
This is a monumental day for Canadian public health care and an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability and health outcomes for Canadians. The Government of Canada will continue working with PTs, Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders to make sure every Canadian has access to essential medications and medical devices they need.
