Quebec plans to allow prescription drug prices to rise for the first time since 1994.

Health Minister Philippe Couillard says the change could happen as early as spring.

The province is the only jurisdiction in North America where prices have been frozen.

He denied a report in La Presse that Quebeckers taking part in the government’s drug program will have to absorb increases if drug prices rise faster than inflation.

To comment on this story email craig.sebastiano@rci.rogers.com.