OTTAWA—Finance Minister Bill Morneau now says he’s “agnostic” on proposals for a pharmacare plan after criticism that he was trying to dial back ambitions for a new program to ensure Canadians get the prescription drugs they need. Tuesday’s budget revealed the federal government’s intentions to take a serious look at the creation of a national pharmacare plan. They said it contradicts “overwhelming evidence” on the need for a universal program and undermines the work of Hoskins’ council before it begins. Morneau personally spoke with Yussuf, who says the finance minister was clear that he was not prejudging the outcome of the Hoskins council. And he believes it will be up to the Health Minister Ginette Pettipas-Taylor — not Morneau — to design the policy.

Source: thestar March 02, 2018 22:21 UTC