March 21, 2025 – Quebec City
Health Canada and the Government of Quebec have signed a bilateral agreement that will invest over $305 million to support improved access to drugs for rare diseases. This funding will help advance early diagnosis, screening, and access to both new and existing treatments in alignment with Quebec’s Action Plan on Rare Diseases (2023–2027).
This agreement is part of the Government of Canada’s broader $1.5 billion National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, announced in March 2023. Of that, up to $1.4 billion is allocated for provincial and territorial partnerships aimed at improving health outcomes for Canadians living with rare conditions.
Key Benefits of the Agreement:
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Enhanced access to treatments for individuals with rare diseases
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Support for early diagnosis and screening
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Reduction in treatment-related financial burdens
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Alignment with Quebec’s healthcare priorities and policy frameworks
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of equitable access:
“This federal funding will improve affordability and access to medications, early diagnosis, and screening, so that people in the province with rare diseases have the best health outcomes possible.”
Quebec’s Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, added:
“This agreement represents an investment of more than $300 million over three years and without any conditions. It will help improve access to care for Quebecers, which is our government’s priority.”
Innovative treatments for rare diseases can cost between $100,000 and $4 million per year. This agreement is a critical step toward reducing barriers and improving quality of life for affected individuals and their families.