Another budget cycle has passed without remedy for the biggest unresolved problem in our health care system. From 1980 to 2010, spending on pharmaceuticals used outside of hospitals in Canada grew more than 15-fold, from just under $2-billion to just over $30-billion. Yes, billion.

In contrast, spending on...

The Alberta government has announced major pharmacare reforms: the province is planning
to move from a system where public drug coverage is available mainly for seniors to a system
where coverage will be restricted based upon income. Experience from other provinces suggests
that income-based pharmacare will not...

When the topic of universal drug coverage comes up in this country, the debate often runs aground on the question of cost. In an environment of government austerity, few seem willing to embrace the idea of a new, national government program.

But a single-payer, universal system would not bankrupt the...

Last week the federal government signalled that, to reach a new trade agreement with Europe, it might extend pharmaceutical patents. The move could cost Canadians up to $2 billion per year. Supporters argue that it will attract research investment and generate jobs.

But longer drug patents will...