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Graham plans new prescription drug plan

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 | 4:11 PM ET

CBC News
Liberal Leader Shawn Graham talks to reporters on Tuesday. Graham announced a plan to fund a universal prescription drug plan, which would cover catastrophic drug costs.Liberal Leader Shawn Graham talks to reporters on Tuesday. Graham announced a plan to fund a universal prescription drug plan, which would cover catastrophic drug costs. (CBC)

The Liberals are promising to fund a universal prescription drug program, including paying for catastrophic drug costs, Shawn Graham announced on Tuesday.

Graham made the announcement in Riverview on Tuesday afternoon, although there was no pricetag placed on the health-care proposal.

Graham announced a series of other health-related campaign promises, such as funding for insulin pumps for children.

The Liberal leader said he does not believe that ability to pay for medication should be a barrier to accessing necessary health services.

"New Brunswickers need help in dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes, and the fallout from illness that can have dramatic effects on one's finances," Graham said in a statement.

"The ability to pay shouldn't be the determining factor in quality of life."

The other planks of the Liberal health strategy announced on Tuesday include:

  • Creating a chronic disease management unit in the health department
  • Implement an electronic medical record for use by primary care providers
  • An addictions strategy focusing on people with mental health conditions, youth and First Nations people
  • Better training in palliative care for home-support workers

Graham is fighting for re-election in the Sept. 27 campaign.

The Liberals were criticized last week by a mental health activist saying that a major report on the mental health system was being ignored.

Eugene Niles, a past president of the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, said the health department is stalling on releasing its response to Judge Michael McKee's 2008 report into the mental health system.

McKee released his report in February 2009. It contained 80 recommendations that called for a drastic overhaul of the mental health system.

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Overall Results

Overall Election Results
Party Elected Leading Total
Updated: Sep. 28, 2010, 12:49 AM ADT
PC 42 0 42
LIB 13 0 13
NDP 0 0 0
GRN 0 0 0
PA 0 0 0
IND 0 0 0

Choose a format to view results for all ridings and parties:

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All results are unofficial until final ballot counts are verified by Elections New Brunswick.

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The Progressive Conservatives are busy preparing for their Oct. 12 return to power as Premier-designate David Alward is naming his transition team and lining up meetings with top bureaucrats.
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The Progressive Conservative candidate in the northern riding of Bathurst has decided to ask for a recount after losing the seat by just 75 votes.

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