Liberals table bill paving way for future pharmacare program a day before deadline

 By Laura Osman THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA- Health Minister Mark Holland tabled a long-awaited bill Thursday meant to pave the way for national pharmacare and preserve a deal that secures NDP support for the government in the House of Commons. The bill also includes a program to cover birth control and diabetes drugs and supplies for anyone with a health card, which must now be negotiated with individual provinces and territories. The government has not said how much it will cost to cover the initial list of drugs. The initial program was a condition of a bargain struck with the New Democrats, who touted the legislation Thursday as the fulfilment of a long-held dream. Pharmacare is a central pillar of the political pact between the two parties, which has the NDP…

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