As we wrap up the first month of 2025, it is imperative to acknowledge the new legislation being implemented this year, which will substantially affect families, workers, pensioners, those with disabilities, the environment, and the overall Canadian economy.
Bill C-64 - The Pharmacare Act
Bill C-64, more commonly known as the Pharmacare Act, aims to enhance both the affordability and accessibility of prescription medications and associated items. The Federal government asserts that it is dedicated to providing sustained financial support for both the provinces and territories as well as Indigenous Peoples. By October 10th, 2025, one year following the Pharmacare Act’s enactment, an expert committee is required to submit its recommendations to the health minister. The health minister must then publish a pan-Canadian plan for the appropriate utilization of prescription medications and associated items on the Canadian federal government’s website.
Furthermore, Canada’s Drug Agency is also required to compile a list of all the critical medications for a national formulary which is a compilation of pharmaceuticals approved for prescription across the country, detailing which goods are interchangeable. It includes vital information about the formulation, characterization, selection, prescription, distribution, and establishes a national bulk purchasing plan by October 10th, 2025.
The Pharmacare Act prompt enables Ottawa to enter agreements with provinces and territories over diabetes and contraceptive coverage. The act will ultimately establish a framework for the implementation of national universal pharmacare and facilitate the creation of a national formulary of necessary medications and products.
Bill C-50 - The Anti-Scab Law
Bill C-50 or the anti-scab law will aim to enhance protections for unionized workers. Bill C-58, which was enacted in May 2024, will become effective later this year, prohibiting government businesses from using replacement workers also known as “scabs”. Scabs refer to workers who attempt to cross picket lines to complete the duties of unionized employees during strikes, with certain exceptions.
Offenders of the anti-scab law shall incur a maximum fine of $100,000 for each day the offence is perpetrated. Employers may utilize replacement labour solely under extraordinary circumstances. These include situations where employers seek to avert dangers to public life, health, and/or safety, or to prevent significant damage or destruction to their property. In these cases, employers must initially extend the opportunity to members of the negotiating unit. The modifications to this bill will be implemented on June 20th, 2025.
New Canada Disability Benefit
The new Canada Disability Benefit aims to provide financial assistance to those aged 18 to 64 with disabilities. According to the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations, annual disbursements will commence in July 2025, with the amount received by individuals contingent upon their income and that of their spouse or common-law partner.
The maximum benefit for the payment period from July 2025 to June 2026 will be $2,400 annually, equating to $200 monthly.
Link to the document with citations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gWCHf8BTu6I7zkJzSgMyxgJRxPK4f8t6xWwMru98_OA/edit?usp=sharing
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