Canadian House of Commons Passes Pharmacare Bill with Free Contraceptives, Diabetes Medications, Heads to Senate

Jun 3, 2024, 07:18 PM

The Canadian House of Commons has passed a long-promised pharmacare bill, which now heads to the Senate for further deliberation. The bill, which includes provisions for free contraceptives and diabetes medications, faced opposition from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who attempted to block its passage. The legislation aims to provide cross-country pharmacare coverage and has been a significant point of debate as the House approaches its summer recess. Additionally, Poilievre criticized Health Minister Mark Holland for suggesting that family trips should be canceled to save the planet, questioning if the same scrutiny would apply to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's frequent travels. The bill passed in a third-reading vote.