Ottawa and PEI plan $32-million extension for drug coverage

The federal and Prince Edward Island governments say they intend to invest more than $32 million over three years to continue a program designed to reduce prescription-drug costs and broaden public coverage in the province.

Health Canada announced the planned extension of the Improving Affordable Access to Prescription Drugs Program on October 2. The initiative began in 2021 and has supported additions to PEI’s public formulary and lower out-of-pocket costs.

According to the federal release, the program had saved Island residents $13.8 million as of March 2025. It also says PEI expanded access to more than 100 medications and reduced copayments for several commonly used cardiovascular, diabetes and mental-health drugs.

The announcement describes a government funding intention; it is not individualized medical or coverage advice. Residents should use PEI’s official program information to confirm current eligibility and benefits.

Source: Health Canada, news release published October 2, 2026.