Edmonton chamber, U of A union concerned about Alberta pharmacare decision
Representatives from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and the University of Alberta Students' Union are voicing concerns regarding the province's plans to opt out of the federal pharmacare program.
The program would allow every Canadian with a health-care card to access free birth control and diabetes medication.
The students' union says many students are dealing with profound affordability challenges.
"For the students who are already struggling to afford textbooks and to stay in school, I think anything that could make life cheaper or more affordable is a welcome sign," said Chris Beasley, the union's vice president external.
The federal government is rolling out a universal pharmacare plan that will soon allow Canadians to receive free birth control and diabetes medication – a plan the UCP government does not want to participate in.
"They’re looking to provide something different which adds bureaucracy and administrative burdens on top of what we already have, so give us the dollars and we’ll use them in those areas," Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said.
The president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce says the decision hurts the business community too, where between 15 to 30 per cent of payroll costs go toward benefits and health care.
"We're just encouraging them to explore the details, see what it is and then come back and talk to the business community and Albertans to see what we say," Doug Griffiths told CTV News Edmonton.
"The solution to this is going to come when students can afford the medication that they need," Beasley added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978861.1722008569!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
At least 4 buildings burned at Jasper Park Lodge, others damaged: Fairmont memo
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge said Thursday afternoon most of its structures are "standing and intact," including its iconic main lodge.
Major Canadian bank dealing with direct deposit outage on pay day
Scotiabank has acknowledged technical difficulties affecting direct deposits as clients report missed payments Friday morning. On Friday morning, the bank's client services phone line was playing an automated message assuring customers that work was underway to rectify the outage.
Federal government posts $3.9B deficit in April, May
The result for the April-to-May period compared to a $1.5 billion surplus for the same stretch last year.
Elon Musk's estranged daughter calls out his 'entirely fake' claims about her childhood
Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk's estranged daughter, publicly refuted several recent anti-trans statements her Tesla CEO and X owner father has made about her.
Reported rate of child pornography increased 52% in 2023, total crime up 3%: Statistics Canada
Last year, reported child pornography cases increased by more than 50 per cent in Canada, in part due to more cases being sent to police by specialized internet child exploitation units, according to a Statistics Canada report.
What we know about 'malicious' attack on French train network ahead of Olympics opening
French transport was thrust into chaos Friday just hours ahead of the Olympics 2024 opening ceremony after a series of co-ordinated 'malicious acts' upended high-speed train lines.Here's what happened and what we know so far.
Canada Soccer head investigating 'systemic ethical shortcoming' amid spying scandal
Canada Soccer chief executive officer Kevin Blue said he was investigating a potential 'systemic ethical shortcoming' within the program but has not considered pulling the women's soccer team from the Paris Olympics due to a drone spying scandal.
Trump campaign says it won't commit to Harris debate until she's confirmed as nominee
The Trump campaign said Thursday it would not commit to any future debates until the Democratic Party formally chooses a nominee.
Thousands of fans take place along River Seine for rainy Olympic opening ceremony
Fans have started to claim their spots along the River Seine ahead of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.