NDP leader Tom Mulcair went to a Liberal-held riding Friday to announce he plans to work with the provinces to support universal prescription drug coverage—but the party is not classifying their promise as a national pharmacare plan.
Speaking in Regina, Mulcair promised $2.6 billion over four years with the goal of achieving universal access.
Read: Universal pharmacare could save Canada billions: Study
The NDP says it will also target a 30% average reduction in the cost of prescription drugs through bulk purchasing programs, hoping to generate three-billion dollars in savings.
Mulcair made the announcement in the riding of Regina-Wascana, which has been held by Liberal Ralph Goodale since 1993.
The riding was one of two Prairie seats retained by the Grits in the 2011 election.
Read: Provinces should provide full and universal pharmacare: Report
Mulcair was in Calgary Thursday to face off with Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Stephen Harper in the economic debate.
The debate marked a crucial moment in the campaign.
The main parties continue jockey for support in a tight three-way race leading up to Oct. 19.
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