Eli Lilly, a major manufacturer, registered to lobby the province’s government about its drugs being publicly listed and reimbursed and about “pan-Canadian pharmaceutical policy and pricing programs and initiatives; health system partnerships; pharmacare.” The company creates drugs to address a range of issues, from cancer to arthritis and diabetes.

Under the national pharmacare program, certain diabetes and contraceptive drugs are covered by the federal government, including some of Eli Lilly’s insulin products. During the election campaign, the Liberal Party promised to continue signing deals with provinces to implement the federal plan. Before the election was called, Health Canada had negotiated deals with Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Yukon and B.C. while Alberta and Quebec planned to opt out of the program.