On June 19, 2025, Canada’s Drug Agency (“CDA”) opened a public consultation to gather input on a proposed list of essential prescription drugs and related products. This initiative is part of the agency’s responsibilities under the Pharmacare Act, SC 2024, c 24 which requires the development of a national formulary to support equitable access to key medications. The purpose of this consultation is to engage interested parties on the proposed list of essential prescription drugs and related products to inform the potential development of a national formulary.
Background
The Government of Canada directed CDA to establish an advisory panel to oversee the development of the essential drugs list. This panel, composed of 12 members with varied expertise, has conducted research and engaged with stakeholders to prepare a discussion paper which aims to outline the (i) methodology used for developing the proposed essential prescription drugs and related products list, including criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of products; (ii) proposed approach to updating the list over time; and (iii) products to be included on the proposed list to inform the potential development of a national formulary.
Consultation Objectives
The consultation seeks feedback on:
- suggestions that could enhance the process for including and excluding products on the proposed list of essential prescription drugs and related products;
- specific suggestions to support the process for updating the proposed list over time; and
- the identification of commonly prescribed drugs and related products in Canada that are not already on the proposed list (including products identified for both inclusion and exclusion), such as high-use prescription drugs in Canada that are listed on most public drug plans.
Input is encouraged from people with lived experience, healthcare professionals, Indigenous health leaders, representatives of public and private drug plans, pharmaceutical industry members, and other interested parties.
How to Participate
Along with the discussion paper, supporting materials, including a FAQ document and the full proposed list, will support stakeholders in providing feedback. Feedback can be submitted up until July 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time via the feedback form.
Additional Consultation
A separate consultation on a national bulk purchasing strategy for prescription drugs will be launched in July 2025. Results from both consultations will be summarized and discussed during a webinar scheduled for fall 2025.
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