The Avalon chapter of the Council of Canadians is urging the provincial government to get the ball rolling in terms of signing up for the national Pharmacare program.

Spokesperson Yvonne Earle says she was pleased to hear Premier Tony Wakeham say last week that he is “more than willing” to sign on to the program.

However, Earle takes exception to his follow-up comment that government will do it “when the opportunity arises.”

She argues that that response does not show the type of leadership that is needed. She says it implies that the province is going to wait for Ottawa to come to them. She believes the provincial government should be the ones setting up any talks.

The council has sent letters to all MHAs, urging them to demand that government begin negotiations.

She believes Pharmacare will tie in with the poverty reduction plan the PCs have talked about, as well as recommendations in the Health Accord.