(Ottawa) Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is protesting that the Liberals and New Democrats are giving different answers about the possibility of Quebec withdrawing from the national drug insurance program, which is expected to be announced later this week.
Posted at 2:29 p.m.
Michel Saba The Canadian Press
“Get along with the rest of you,” he said during a news conference Wednesday. Before you announce the marriage, go to a restaurant for dinner. However, they do not agree there as to whether or not there is a right of withdrawal with full compensation without conditions. »
Mr. Blanchet initially believed that Quebec would have such a right of withdrawal after New Democratic Party (NPD) deputy leader Alexandre Boulerice “clearly” assured him that it “can be used for something other than garbage.” bring to the side of the road.”
In a press briefing in Parliament, Mr. Boulerice added more, asserting that Quebec's right to leave had been an element of his party's program “for a long time.” [l’ancien chef] Jack Layton.
At the same time, he stressed that “the offer would be so beneficial for workers” that it was at least worth discussing “to see what impact it will have on people’s wallets.”
However, the bloc leader was disillusioned when she heard Federal Health Minister Mark Holland answering questions specifically related to the right of withdrawal.
Both in the House of Representatives and in front of journalists, Mr Holland called for “not to criticize” a bill whose contents have not yet been announced and instead to wait for it to be tabled.
According to Mr. Blanchet's reading, this amounts to “it is not clear” whether Quebec can exercise a right of withdrawal with full compensation.
He mentioned that this “very small” drug insurance program only covers “matters already covered by the Quebec government,” so it offers “no added value.”
A spokesman for Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé told The Canadian Press that the province intends to exercise its right to withdraw from both the drug insurance program and the dental care program.
“We want full financial compensation with no strings attached,” spokesperson Audrey Noiseux continued. We will continue to defend Quebec's jurisdiction and work to improve health services for Quebecers. »
Asked about the issue on Wednesday, the leader of the government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon, reiterated that Quebec and Alberta – the other provinces that want to withdraw from the possible program – “haven't even seen the wording of the bill yet.”
He is convinced that the Minister of Health will have “fruitful discussions with all provinces”.
The bloc leader also warned the government that his party would not support the federal budget “if there is even a cent.” […] This serves to invade the jurisdiction of Quebec without full and unconditional compensation.”
And to those who believe he is out of balance of power now that the government's survival is assured, he advises “strongly.” […] to listen to what Quebec demands.”
“And what Quebec is asking for is not being conveyed by the NDP, is not being conveyed by the Conservatives, and the Liberals should listen to what Quebec is demanding,” he added.
Proposing a drug insurance bill is one of the pillars of the “support and confidence agreement” that the New Democrats and Liberals have struck to keep Justin’s minority government in power. Trudeau.
Both parties recently agreed on the content of this bill. Coverage of contraceptives and “most” medications used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes should initially be provided under a universal single-payer program.
The draft law is also intended to establish the framework conditions so that a complete, comprehensive drug insurance system can be created in the long term.
A New Democratic source who spoke to The Canadian Press said the legislative document stipulates that the chosen formula must comply with the Canada Health Act and that that law provides for universality so that a province receives its “full financial contribution from the federal government “ receives the health services it provides.