Morneau ‘agnostic’ on pharmacare study findings, other than increasing access
OTTAWA — Finance Minister Bill Morneau insists he’s only concerned with improving Canadians’ access to prescription drugs as he faces accusations of being in a “perceived conflict of interest” with a newly created council dedicated to exploring national pharmacare.
Critics have seized on a remark Morneau made in recent days about his past ties to his family-built human resources firm Morneau Shepell, which he noted is the largest benefits consultancy provider in the country.
They’ve said his connections to Morneau Shepell could mean he’s not approaching a significant change in drug coverage in Canada with an exclusive focus on evidence and the public’s interest.
Speaking Friday in Montreal, Morneau said all that matters to him is having the experts come up with ways to ensure Canadians obtain the medications they need.