P.E.I. signs $30-million pharmacare deal for diabetes medication, contraceptives

Health Canada's offices at Tunney's Pasture, in Ottawa is seen on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island has signed a four-year $30-million pharmacare agreement with the federal government to provide universal access to diabetes medication and contraceptives.

The funding will also cover diabetes-related devices and supplies as of May 1.

Health Canada says the deal will support the reproductive freedom of 41,000 Islanders and ensure that 16,000 with diabetes can get medications to reduce their risk of serious health complications.

The province is the third to sign with Ottawa following similar deals recently inked with Manitoba and British Columbia.

The federal government passed legislation establishing the basis for a universal pharmacare plan in October.

As part of another agreement, another $10 million will go toward improving access in P.E.I. to drugs for rare diseases and for early diagnoses and screening.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2025.