Prescription drugs another priority

Re: “Ottawa buying pipeline,” May 30.

Canadians are about to acquire a much-needed and long-overdue pipeline at a cost of $4.5 billion.

This is clearly in the national interest, but the cost is a concern. Can we find a compensating plan?

Yes! Canadians are second only to the United States in the fraction being unable to afford the cost of prescrip- tion drugs. Canada is the only country with a universal health care plan that does not include pharmacare coverage.

The savings to Canadians are predicted to be $4.5 billion.

May we hope that our federal and provincial policymakers will see a connection here that can also further the national interest.

Ralph Coombs, Calgary