Insulin was discovered in Canada, by Canadian researchers. It features proudly on their $100 bill.

Despite this, many Canadians are struggling to afford the costs of insulin and other diabetes supplies. These costs run into the thousands of dollars per year. As T1International has detailed, insulin rationing is a harsh reality for people living in Canada.

To offset growing diabetes costs, many use the Canadian Disability Tax Credit. Recent reports have indicated Disability Tax Credit is being denied to many Canadians with type 1 diabetes. Without clarification, Canadians with type 1 diabetes and their physicians are undergoing a lengthy application process only to find out that they no longer qualify. This is unacceptable.

Our position is this: #insulin4all is a human right.

We call upon the Government of Canada to clarify whether or not type 1 diabetes qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit program, and for the government to remove all unnecessary barriers to insulin and supply access for people with diabetes. We support calls for the creation of a national universal pharmacare program, a frequently stated priority of the Canadian government, and note such a program would render this entire debate moot.

We applaud Diabetes Canada, JDRF Canada, MP Nathan Cullen, MP Andrew James Scheer, and all other organizations and individuals fighting upon behalf of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes. We are proud to add our voice to this chorus. We hope this debate ends up being an opportunity for the Prime Minister to further a #insulin4all agenda at home and abroad.