TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:
WHEREAS over 1.5 million Ontarians do not have prescription medication coverage and nearly 1 in 4 Canadians have reported skipping pills or foregoing refills because prescription costs are so high;
WHEREAS no one should have to choose between essential diabetes medications, contraception, and affording rent or food;
WHEREAS medicines can’t work if people can’t afford to pay for them, resulting in excess ER visits and poor health outcomes;
WHEREAS prescription medications are a part of health care, and people shouldn’t have to empty their wallets or rack up credit card bills to get the medicine they need;
WHEREAS Canada is the only nation in the world with a public health care system that does not have universal coverage for prescription drugs outside of hospitals;
WHEREAS the federal Pharmacare Act (Bill C-64) offers the first step of national universal pharmacare, providing universal access to contraception and lifesaving diabetes medications, yet the plan’s success is contingent on Ontario’s support;
THEREFORE WE THE UNDERSIGNED petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
Immediately commit to signing onto the national pharmacare deal and ensuring all Ontarians can benefit from the coverage of essential medication and devices.