Curiously, only break in deductible increases coincided with election year

Pharmacare deductibles have increased 34% since the NDP took office – a cost Progressive Conservatives say unfairly targets seniors and low-income earners.

The NDP announced another 5% increase to deductibles in their 2008 budget, bringing the top-end increase since 2002 to $384.

Deputy health critic Myrna Driedger said it’s a hike many vulnerable Manitobans simply can’t afford.

“It may seem like pocket change to many, but for many seniors on a fixed income and low-income earners, a $384 increase may be the difference between medicine for what ails them and putting food on the table.”

She said it’s no secret the Manitoba NDP has a spending addiction, but offloading their financial mismanagement onto the backs of seniors is nothing more than a tax grab. 

“At a time of unprecedented handouts from Ottawa, the NDP continues to spend every cent they receive,” Driedger said. “Finding another way to nickel and dime our most vulnerable Manitobans is the wrong way for the NDP to try to cover up its irresponsible spending habits.”

Progressive Conservative critic for seniors, Leanne Rowat pointed out that Pharmacare deductibles have been on the rise each of the last six years – except in 2007 – the election year.

“They NDP is playing politics with the lives of Manitobans on fixed incomes,” Rowat said. “Should seniors brace themselves for similar increases each year before the next election, only to have the NDP make nice in the election year in a pitiful attempt to win over their votes?”