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Finance Minister Bill Morneau insists he’s only concerned with improving Canadians’ access to prescription drugs as he faces accusations of being in a “perceived conflict of interest” with a newly created council dedicated to exploring national pharmacare.

Critics have seized on a remark Morneau made in recent days about his past ties to his family-built human resources firm Morneau Shepell, which he noted is the largest benefits consultancy provider in the country.

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They’ve said his connections to Morneau Shepell could mean he’s not approaching a significant change in drug coverage in Canada with an exclusive focus on evidence and the public’s interest.

Speaking Friday in Montreal, Morneau said all that matters to him is having the experts come up with ways to ensure Canadians obtain the medications they need.

“I am agnostic on the conclusions other than making sure that we get Canadians to a position where everyone has access to health care that’s going to make sure that themselves and their families are able to be healthy,” he said after promoting the federal budget at an event hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations.