The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on the federal government to engage in meaningful negotiations on the implementation of national pharmacare, ensuring that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and all Canadians receive equitable access to select diabetes medications and contraceptives.

The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador has expressed his concerns on numerous occasions with the federal government regarding the current approach to pharmacare, which has seen funding agreements reached with only a limited number of jurisdictions while others, including Newfoundland and Labrador, remain outside the framework.

Premier Wakeham first raised his concerns in a meeting with the Honourable Marjorie Michel, the federal Minister of Health, in November 2025. He followed up in writing with Minister Michel in December 2025, as well as with the Prime Minister twice – in December 2025 and most recently in February 2026. The Honourable Lela Evans, the provincial Minister of Health and Community Services, also wrote to Minister Michel in January 2026.

Newfoundland and Labrador faces unique demographic and health challenges, including some of the highest rates of diabetes in the country. Ensuring residents can access necessary medications without financial barriers is a priority for the new Provincial Government and a key component of improving health outcomes for all of us.

The Provincial Government has repeatedly indicated its readiness to resume active discussions with the federal government and to work collaboratively toward a national program that is implemented fairly, respects provincial realities, and benefits people in every region of Canada.

Premier Wakeham’s recent letter to Prime Minister Carney is available here.

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“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve the same access to essential medications as people in every other part of Canada. National pharmacare is a milestone in Canadian health care, and it must be implemented fairly and equitably across all provinces and territories. My government is ready to engage with the federal government immediately so our residents can receive the same level of support already available elsewhere.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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