Members of the Health Charities Coalition of Canada are deeply concerned about the impacts that any tariffs imposed by the U.S. Administration on Canadian goods will have on Canadian patients, consumers and businesses.
Canada is heavily dependent on a globally integrated pharmaceutical and medical supply chain. Any tariffs levied by either side would significantly impact the affordability and availability of essential life-sustaining medications, medical devices and supplies in Canada, particularly for vulnerable populations who already struggle with affordability.
Any disruptions to supply chains could result in serious health complications, increased hospitalizations, delayed surgeries, and higher healthcare costs.
We urgently call upon all levels of governments to ensure that medications, medical devices and supplies are fully exempt from tariffs or trade restrictions. We encourage our provincial health ministries and private insurers to work collaboratively to ensure cost stability and continued access to medicines for patients in Canada.
We ask that our Premiers and Prime Minister continue to outline a path forward that removes any intra-provincial barriers to improve access to medications, medical devices and supplies across our country and that consideration be given to temporary financial relief measures to protect individuals who may face sudden price increases.