The Canadian Press reported that a crucial news conference held in Halifax by Holland, a key figure in the Canadian government, saw him meet with provincial and territorial counterparts. The focus of the meeting was on the pharmacare and national dental-care program, which have been pivotal components of the supply-and-confidence deal that has kept the minority Liberals in power for over two years. However, this stability is under threat as the New Democratic Party (NDP) plans to vote against the government at the end of March, potentially bringing down the Liberal government.
Holland has been actively engaging in discussions to sign bilateral deals with provinces and territories regarding birth control and diabetes medications. While Manitoba already covers the cost of contraceptives, New Brunswick has promised to do so, and B.C. has signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government for pharmacare. Despite these efforts, opposition parties are staunch in their stance against the Liberals. Jagmeet Singh from the NDP reiterated their decision to vote against the government at the end of March.
"I want to be really clear. We are still going to be voting against the government at the end of March," – Jagmeet Singh
The pharmacare bill, introduced last February and enacted into law by October, has not quelled opposition concerns. With Parliament set to resume on March 24, the timing of these political maneuvers is critical. The Liberals face additional pressure with their leadership election scheduled for March 9, and a fixed-election date looming in October. Opposition parties have pledged to vote non-confidence in the Liberals before this fixed-election date, further intensifying the political climate.
"If pharmacare is the priority that you say it is, then why don't you wait until October so that we can get the business of the nation done?" – Holland
Holland's push for provincial agreements comes amidst criticism from various quarters. Eric Hoskins has pointed out the benefits of these deals for provinces and territories.
"There's really no downside (for the provinces and territories). There's massive upside in terms of access to medicines for their citizens." – Eric Hoskins
Hoskins also highlighted a potential consequence if agreements are not reached.
"If that doesn't exist, the funds won't flow." – Eric Hoskins
In contrast, Peter Julian criticized the Liberals' approach as a strategic delay tactic.
"This is another Liberal ploy to buy time at the expense of Canadians. They are willing to withhold birth control and insulin to buy more time for their new leader." – Peter Julian
