After finding common ground on contraceptives and diabetes medications, the NDP and Liberals aren't singing the same tune about Quebec's right to opt out of the future drug insurance program.
On the one hand, Federal Health Minister Mark Holland refused to comment on the status of talks with the New Democrats. Responding to the Bloc Québécois' question about the right of withdrawal with full compensation, Mr. Holland said on Tuesday that he would find an answer to his question when the bill was formally presented.
On the other hand, NDP deputy leader Alexandre Boulerice explained that the right to withdraw “with full compensation” in the event of a new federal program ©ral, has been “part of the NDP program since It’s been a long time – since Jack Layton.”
Mr. Boulerice's position refers to the NDP's 2006 Sherbrooke Declaration, which provides Quebec with a special approach to provincial-federal relations.
“For us, of course, the right of withdrawal exists for Quebec, but we tell you: the offer would be so advantageous for the workers, for the workers, that I think so. We should at least start this discussion to see the impact. “It will hurt people's wallets,” said the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie MP.
This is a “clear” position of the NDP, commented bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet on Tuesday.
“If that's the case, it's excellent news and once again it's clearly a win for Quebec and a win for the Bloc Québécois,” he said.
A first version of drug insurance only provides comprehensive coverage for contraceptives and medications related to diabetes.
The long-term goal – at least for the NDP – remains a program that covers a broad range of medications.