All Canadians should demand pharmacare

Re Unions want pharmacare plan for all Canadi

ans: Opinion, Sept. 4 I totally support Canadian Labour Congress president Hassan Yussuff’s urgent call for pharmacare.

Yussuff clearly points out that 3.5 million Canadians have no drug coverage. This grim fact is not only alarming but unjust. It’s particularly burdensome for all part-time, temporary and self-employed workers who are not covered by union or company drug plans.

As a senior in my 80s, I’m very fortunate that all my drugs are covered by the Ontario Drug Plan, which has saved me thousands over the past 10-plus years. However, many of my brothers and sisters are not so fortunate. They have partial or no coverage, so they can’t afford many essential, high-priced Big Pharma-controlled drugs, while struggling to deal with chronic and disabling conditions or terminal illnesses.

More than 50 years ago, medicare pioneer and social-justice fighter Tommy Douglas advocated universal drug coverage. His daughter, Shirley Douglas, and many other pharmacare activists have lobbied the federal government to act.

The total absence of political will by our federal governments, including the Justin Trudeau Liberals, is inexcusable and shameful.

It’s time for citizens of all ages to demand pharmacare. Our health, lives and medical justice are at stake. Don Weitz, Toronto