Ottawa maintains C$500 million annually for rare diseases

In Winnipeg on October 16, Ottawa confirmed continued annual funding of C$500 million for the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases. [1]

Two separate commitments

The Canadian Press reports that this funding was due to expire in 2027. Ottawa is also extending C$1.2 billion in annual funding for mental health, addictions and home care by one year. [2]

Further negotiations

Ministers will continue discussing sustainable federal funding and meet again before the end of 2026. Quebec and British Columbia are not parties to the statement. [1]

A transition measure

Health Minister Marjorie Michel tells The Canadian Press that the one-year extension helps bridge the transition to the federal fall budget schedule. [2]