The Federal Democratic National Party rejected the first draft of the pharmaceutical care bill from the Liberals.

Last year, the Liberals won the support of the Federal Democratic National Party until 2025 in exchange for the promise to implement some of the Federal Democratic National Party's priorities.

One of the conditions of that agreement was to advance towards a comprehensive pharmaceutical care program and to approve the initial phase of pharmaceutical care legislation by the end of this year.

The Liberals had also promised to introduce pharmaceutical care legislation in the fall season. But the critic from the Federal Democratic National Party, Don Davis, said that the first draft of the bill did not meet the expectations of the Federal Democratic National Party. He said he was waiting for the next draft.

He added that the pharmaceutical care program should be universal, with a single payer, and at the government level, and that the Federal Democratic National Party would not accept any commitment below that.

He stated that the Federal Democratic National Party wishes to expand the program, starting with essential medications, but they want the law to include a timeline for expansion.

Health Minister Mark Holland did not mention whether the upcoming bill would adhere to a specific model, as the situation could change by the time the bill is presented.

Holland also stated that he is in discussions with the Federal Democratic National Party about both the legislation and commitments related to pharmaceutical care, including a national drug list, or the creation of a new drug agency to negotiate drug prices on behalf of Canadians.

Holland mentioned that the situation is constantly changing after each conversation with the party, but whatever happens in the end, the legislation will serve as the foundation for national pharmaceutical care and will not represent the final version of the program.

The government can consider a number of options when crafting the legislation, including the single-payer system proposed by the Federal Democratic National Party.

Alternatively, the Liberals may consider a program that provides coverage only for low-income individuals, similar to dental care programs.

In 2017, the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimated that the pharmaceutical care plan would cost $19.3 billion annually if implemented in 2015, which would rise to $22.6 billion annually over time.

To date, this annual cost could range between $23 billion and $27 billion.

Holland did not mention when the legislation is expected to be introduced, but he is committed to meeting the deadline at the end of the year under the confidence and supply agreement.