B.C. cuts generic drug prices; Free flu vaccine for all Nova Scotians; Ontario begins consultations on 2-year wage freeze
B.C. cuts generic drug prices
Victoria — The price of generic drugs in British Columbia will drop to 35 per cent of the brand price over the next three years, following an agreement between the province, the B.C. Pharmacy Association and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores. Currently, generic drug prices in the province average about 65 per cent of the brand-name cost. The reduced generic prices will only apply to medications covered by PharmaCare. However, these savings will apply to all British Columbians regardless of whether they are covered by PharmaCare, an employer- or union-paid drug plan or paying for drugs out-of-pocket. In addition to the estimated savings of $170 million a year for the health system, employer- or union-sponsored drug plans and individuals should see annual savings of up to $210 million.
Free flu vaccine for all Nova Scotians
Halifax — The seasonal flu vaccine for the 2010-2011 flu season will be free for everyone in Nova Scotia. The government is fully funding the vaccine because H1N1 could be one of the main influenza strains next winter and the flu shot is one of the best ways to keep people healthy, said Minister of Health Promotion and Protection Maureen MacDonald. In previous years, the government has funded the vaccine for people in certain risk groups, including people 65 and older, children six to 23 months old, pregnant women, health-care workers and first responders.
Ontario begins consultations on 2-year wage freeze
Toronto — Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan met with public service employers and labour leaders in July to discuss wage freezes in new collective agreements. The province’s 2010 budget outlined the government’s plan to eliminate the deficit over the next eight years and two-year wage freezes across the public service and broader public sector is a big part of that plan. However, these changes will only take place as old contracts expire and new ones are negotiated. The government is also asking its partners to agree to pause ongoing labour negotiations and interest arbitrations to allow more detailed consultations on compensation. More than $50 billion, or 55 per cent, of all government program expenses go to compensation, either directly or through transfers to institutions such as schools and hospitals.
