For Immediate Release:
April 29, 2010
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP saw his request for a request for a motion to allow time for sober second thought on drastic pharmacy cuts get shot down during Finance Committee hearings this afternoon.
Following a presentation by Ontario’s Community Pharmacies regarding Bill 16, Creating the Foundation for Growth and Jobs Act, Barrett introduced a motion echoing the group’s call for a delay of third reading debate and a two week extension of consultations.
“Once again, government has done its best – through debate and consultation limiting time allocation – to ensure that as little input as possible is allowed on this controversial bill,” Barrett intoned. “With that in mind, if the bill is passed as government has proposed, I will seek a delay in implementation to ease transition.”
During their presentation Ontario’s Community Pharmacies pointed out that it is, “unreasonable to assume that an entire industry and profession can be forcefully and substantively reformed virtually overnight,” adding that the approach would take, “careful and collaborative planning.”
An Ontario Government announcement earlier this month means the end to so-called professional allowances generic drug makers pay pharmacies. At the same time the amount pharmacies can charge for generic drugs is being cut to no more than 25 per cent of the cost of the brand name products from the 50 per cent that is allowed now.
Barrett says he remains concerned about the potential closing of many rural and small town drug stores.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at
(519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629