Statement from HSA President Kane Tse on Canada-BC Pharmacare Agreement

“As the president of the union representing thousands of hospital pharmacists across the province, I hear too often about the urgent need to patch a massive hole in our public health care system. Too many of our family members and neighbours are having to make impossible choices like paying rent or paying for their child’s diabetes medication – problems that will only get worse as the impact of Trump’s tariffs hit our economy.

“Starting today, here in BC, the government is making this problem a little easier for a lot of people.

“This action to make it more affordable for families to get the medication they need won’t just save lives, it will address a rising cost that too many have had to bear for too long. The cost of contraceptives and diabetes medication will drop to minimal or no cost. Access to diabetes devices and supplies will be improved. And hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms will now be free.

“I would like to recognize the leadership of the provincial government – Premier Eby, former Minister of Health Adrian Dix, and current Minister of Health Josie Osborne – for making BC the first province in Canada to provide free contraception. This decision will make life better for women, trans and non-binary people. And the additional coverage improvement for hormone replacement therapy for people experiencing menopausal symptoms is yet another way this government is expanding care to those who have been suffering and overlooked for far too long.”