This will depend entirely on what province you are going to. Generally speaking, the federal government has a healthcare plan, which is commonly issued to newcomers to Canada. It tends to cover much more than the provincial plans do, but I do not know if it has drug coverage.

If you come to Ontario (where I am), you can apply for OW (Ontario Works), pending an application for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program). Once applied, even at the OW level, you get drug and dental insurance. The dental is rather basic, however the drug is a godsend. It is a 100% coverage with no limit, no deductible, and no co-pay. Only a $2 deductible per script for drug coverage only, which most pharmacies will write off.

You should also be aware that in Ontario, HIV is an automatic grounds for approval for ODSP. Usually when you apply, you must first apply for OW, then apply for ODSP, and appeal their rejection an average of twice before you stand any chance at approval, however if your reason for application is HIV, it usually gets approved on the first attempt. OW only pays out $768 once a month, and ODSP only pays out $1246 once a month, however ODSP has some other perks.

When on ODSP, you can work, which gives you an extra $100 bonus for the month. You are allowed to make up to $1000 after deductions per month before they start clawing back from the $1346. Any amount paid out above $1000, 75% is taken off your ODSP payment.

Working full time, I was able to bring a bit more than $2000/mo from work, plus would get about $350 once a month from ODSP, so I could kind of survive, but the real benefit was the ability to have all $4700 every 3 months for my meds paid for by insurance.

Yes. HIV qualifies you for disability coverage, which includes drug and dental

Correct