44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsFebruary 27, 2024e-4516e-4516 (Health)RupinderToorGeorgeChahalCalgary SkyviewLiberalABJuly 27, 2023, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)August 26, 2023, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)February 27, 2024September 5, 2023Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>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; andA 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.ContraceptionReproductive healthWhole-of-government approach