Brian Mason and Alberta's NDP want to lower drug costs while improving the health care system.
Liberals and Conservatives accept large campaign donations from drug companies - they can't be trusted with Alberta's health care system.
- Brian Mason
Brian Mason and Alberta's NDP are on the side of patients
Prescription drug costs are the fastest growing portion of the health care budget. By getting those costs under control, we can ease the pressure on your wallet and the health care budget. Alberta's NDP would establish an Alberta Pharmaceutical Savings Agency, based on a model pioneered in New Zealand. The agency would constrain costs by bulk buying and substituting less expensive, generic drugs where they are of equal therapeutic benefit. Bulk-buying lowers costs by increasing competition between brand name and generic drug manufacturers - a step recently recommended by the Competition Bureau. The funds saved by health regions would be invested into better pharmacare coverage for seniors.
The Liberals and Conservatives are on the side of drug companies
- Since 2000, Alberta's public expenditures on prescription drugs have more than doubled. By comparison, New Zealand's drug costs have increased by only 20 per cent.
- Although New Zealand has one million more people than Alberta, the public health care system spent $400 million less on prescription drugs in 2006 than Alberta. New Zealanders saved an additional $430 million in out of pocket payments.
- A recent study found that New Zealanders pay 50% less than Canadians for most prescription drugs.
Mason, the opposition leader with the most insight
Brian Mason, the opposition leader with the most insight, figures a corporate tax cut into an already overheated economy isn't the wisest use of wealth.
Rick Bell, Calgary Sun
March 23, 2006
Brian Mason Capital Ex Family BBQ
Southwest Edm BBQ
Bilous Barn Burner Dance & Beer Social