The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is looking for 25 Ontarians from all walks of life to participate in a Citizens’ Council – the first of its kind in Canada.

The Citizens’ Council will focus on topics related to Ontario’s prescription drug programs. Topics discussed by a similar council in the U.K. have included :

• Whether the government should be prepared to pay premium prices for drugs to treat patients with very rare diseases.
• Whether the government should focus resources on trying to improve the health of the most disadvantaged members of our society, even if this has only a modest impact on the health of the population as a whole.

The Council will meet twice a year for three days at a time. Each Council member will be paid $150 per day, plus expenses. The Ministry will make every effort to provide other support, such as childcare or other special requirements, to Council members who need it.

No. Council members will be briefed by experts on the topics at hand. Then, Council members will bring their own values and opinions to the table.

A report based on the Council’s discussions will be presented to the Executive Officer (EO) of the Ontario Public Drug Programs. The EO will then provide feedback outlining how the advice will be used. A copy of the report and response will be published online.

Anyone can apply – however, to be eligible to become a member of the Citizens’ Council you cannot be a paid employee in the health care sector (health care professional, employee of an advocacy and/or health charity group, etc.), an employee of a pharmaceutical company, an elected official or an employee of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

If you would like your voice to be heard, please proceed to the online application form.