As folks in our community continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, instability around US tariffs is only adding to the stress for many.
Last month, I shared with you some of the solutions I’ve put forward to lower costs. Since then, I’ve been meeting with local businesses and individuals to inform my advocacy to mitigate the impact of tariffs, including making sure any counter tariff revenue flows to those who will need it most. For ongoing updates, find me on social media @morricemike.
I’ve also been hearing from folks struggling with out-of-pocket expenses when accessing healthcare. Whether it’s covering the cost of cancer medications, going without mental healthcare due to cost, or wait times for a child to access addictions services, the gaps in our healthcare system must be addressed.
While much of the responsibility to deliver healthcare lies with provinces – like ensuring there are enough nurses and doctors – I’ve been calling for the federal government to do its part.
One example is pharmacare. After years of advocacy, the government has now proposed a limited program – covering diabetes medication and contraceptives – but it’s far from true pharmacare.
It’s why I will keep pushing for a comprehensive program that will save us all money by the federal government buying in bulk – covering everything from blood pressure medications, to asthma inhalers, to antibiotics.
In the meantime, I’ve kept advocating for individuals, like Noor, a young mother in our community who battled a rare liver cancer while facing a monthly bill of $15,000 US for the medication her oncologist prescribed to extend her life.
When I learned about her case, I began advocating directly to the Minister of Health to call on the Canadian Drug Administration (CDA) to reexamine if the drug should be covered by public programs – especially given Health Canada already approved it. Tragically, Noor passed away before this decision, but her family has asked me to keep pushing for people just like her. A glimmer of good news: the CDA is now reexamining recommending this life-changing medication for coverage.
The federal government could also increase funding for mental healthcare – in fact, in the last election, this Liberal government had promised a $4.5 billion Canada Mental Health Transfer. It’s a promise I’ve been pushing for them to keep. I’ve also been advocating for smaller but specific steps, for example, by joint seconding a bill that has removed HST from psychological services.
Waterloo Region is also a hotspot for the poisoned drug crisis. Experts have already told us what we need: more treatment, as well as harm reduction services that will keep folks alive to access that treatment. It’s why, after helping secure $500,000 for care in our community in 2023, I’ve been relentless in pushing for Waterloo Region to receive its fair share of federal substance use and addictions funding once more.