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e-4516 (Health)

E-petition
Initiated by Rupinder Toor from Calgary, Alberta

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • A federal policy for free prescription birth control in Canada is projected to create money, with studies showing up to $9 saved in managing unplanned pregnancies for each $1 invested in universal contraception;
  • Furthermore, fiscal benefits are predicted to be achieved quickly, with cost neutrality at year one and significant net savings within two years of implementation;
  • Reproductive rights are human rights and cannot be left to the whim of changing provincial governments;
  • Reproductive rights are currently being systematically dismantled south of Canada’s border in the United States at an alarming rate;
  • Worldwide, Canada ranks poorly compared to 46 European nations in universal access to contraceptive supplies, counseling and information;
  • British Columbia offers universal coverage of contraception, Quebec provides 80% coverage, while other provinces have programs that are patchy or difficult to access;
  • There exists an equity issue within Canada in accessing contraception;
  • Now is the time for the Government of Canada to introduce a federal policy for the universal coverage of contraception and reaffirm its commitment to reproductive rights for all Canadians;
  • Canada is the only country worldwide with universal healthcare that lacks coverage for prescription drugs;
  • The Government of Canada has committed to the implementation of a national pharmacare program; and
  • A federal policy for the universal coverage of contraception in Canada could be an important, immediate and symbolic first step in the implementation of a national pharmacare program.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to commit to a federal policy for the universal coverage of contraception by World Contraception Day on September 26, 2023.

Response by the Minister of Health

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir Naqvi

On February 29, 2024, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare (Pharmacare Act), which proposes the foundational principles for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and describes the Government of Canada’s intent to work with provinces and territories (PTs) to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraception and diabetes medications.

This legislation is an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and outcomes and has the potential of long-term savings to the health care system.

The Government of Canada will be launching discussions with PTs on providing universal, single-payer coverage based on the list of contraceptive drugs and devices that includes oral contraceptives, copper and hormonal IUDs, injections, implants, rings, and morning-after pills. Following agreement with PTs, people in Canada will have improved access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive drugs and devices to choose from according to their medical suitability and personal circumstances.

Improved coverage for contraceptives will mean that 9 million Canadians of reproductive age will have better access to contraception and reproductive autonomy, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and improving their ability to plan for the future. Cost has consistently been identified as the single most important barrier to access to these medications and the cost is unevenly borne by women and gender diverse Canadians. Bill C-64 will ensure that Canadians will have improved access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive drugs and devices.

Over the past year, the Government of Canada has delivered on key actions to provide better and more accessible health care in Canada. Financial barriers should not be an impediment to accessing safe and effective prescription drugs and related products. We are determined to work towards a plan where Canadians can obtain their medication as prescribed, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

The Bill demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to consulting widely about the way forward and working with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and other partners and stakeholders to improve the accessibility, affordability and appropriate use of pharmaceutical products, including contraceptives, by reducing financial barriers and contributing to the physical and mental health and well-being of Canadians.

Open for signature
July 27, 2023, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
August 26, 2023, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
George Chahal (Calgary Skyview)
February 27, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02222)
Government response tabled
April 11, 2024
Photo - George Chahal
Calgary Skyview
Liberal Caucus
Alberta