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Campaigns Across Canada
We are excited to see campaigns to increase access to prescription contraception popping up across the country. Please check out, like, follow, and support these amazing campaigns.
Everyone deserves access to contraception!
If you would like to set up a campaign in your province or territory, please get in touch, our team is standing by to help.
Cover ContraceptiON -
Ontario
Access Now Nova Scotia
Universal Access to Contraception Saskatchewan
Birth Control Access Manitoba
Project EmpowHer
Media from Across Canada
Women's health advocates applaud Manitoba's plan to subsidize prescription birth control
CBC News, Nov. 22, 2023
Birth control will soon become free for all Manitobans with a prescription, the province announced Tuesday.
The announcement, made during Premier Wab Kinew's Tuesday throne speech, makes good on an election promise the NDP campaigned on. The party previously pegged the cost to implement the universal coverage of select contraceptives at $11 million per year.
Access Now Nova Scotia advocates for universal no-cost contraception
The Dalhousie Gazette,
September 29, 2023
To mark World Contraception Day on Tuesday, Sept. 26, Access Now Nova Scotia held a campaign event in hopes of implementing no-cost universal contraceptives for all Nova Scotians.... Access Now Nova Scotia is a group advocating for the provincial government to enact a policy implementing universal no-cost prescription contraceptives for Nova Scotians.
Opinion: Saskatchewan needs universal coverage of contraception
StarPheonix, August 5, 2023
Cost is the greatest barrier to contraception and it’s one the government can universally cover. Access to contraception is a critical component of reproductive decision-making and should be a guaranteed right for all under Canada’s universal health-care system.
If control of your reproductive health is part of the right to health care, access to contraception must fall within that right.
‘Reproductive rights are human rights’: Calgary doctor pushes for universal contraception coverage
Global News, July 24, 2023
B.C. recently became Canada’s first province to offer universal access to free prescription contraception. Now a Calgary physician is pushing the federal government to follow suit. Sarah Offin speaks with Dr. Rupinder Toor, who’s launched a petition to make universal birth control coverage a reality for all Canadians.
The case for free contraception in Canada
CBC, July 20, 2023
A new birth control pill will be available over the counter without prescription next year in the U.S. But in Canada, access can depend on where you live, whether you have a family doctor and if you have the money to pay for it. Guest host Rosemary Barton speaks to two doctors about why caring for women's reproductive health is still a challenge.
Opinion: Free contraceptives lead to substantial economic benefits
Calgary Herald, May 16, 2023
On a broader economic scale, free contraception saves taxpayer dollars. B.C.-based Options for Sexual Health estimates that for every $1 spent on contraceptive support for an individual, taxpayers may save up to $90 in future social support. In Canada, up to 40 per cent of pregnancies are unintended and more than half of these unintended pregnancies occur in people not using contraception. The direct cost associated with unintended pregnancies per year in Canada is upwards of $320 million.
Opinion: Saskatchewan needs universal coverage of contraception
Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 5, 2023
A large majority of Albertans support the idea of the government providing universal access to free birth control, suggests a new poll from a Calgary-based public relations firm. ThinkHQ, an Alberta public and government relations and opinion research firm, provided the poll to CBC. It found that 74 per cent of Albertans surveyed approve of the idea of free prescription birth control while only 18 per cent disapprove.
Nearly three-quarters of Albertans support free prescription birth control, survey suggests
CBC News, March 25, 2023
A large majority of Albertans support the idea of the government providing universal access to free birth control, suggests a new poll from a Calgary-based public relations firm. ThinkHQ, an Alberta public and government relations and opinion research firm, provided the poll to CBC. It found that 74 per cent of Albertans surveyed approve of the idea of free prescription birth control while only 18 per cent disapprove.
Free contraception should be province’s Plan A
Winnipeg Free Press,
March 13, 2023
This common-sense approach to health care inspires hope that Manitoba might also follow in the footsteps of British Columbia, which just announced that as of April 1, prescription birth control will be available free of charge. The province will cover the cost of four common methods of birth control: oral hormone pills, commonly known as the pill; subdermal injections and implants; copper and hormonal intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs; and Plan B (the morning-after pill).
Birth control will soon be free in B.C. Will Ontario follow?
Toronto Star, March 2, 2023
Prescription contraception will soon be free in B.C. after the province became the first in Canada to unveil the program as part of its 2023 budget. The move has groups in other provinces excited and hopeful the same will happen across the country. Advocates say not only do governments save money on health-care costs when they provide birth control for free, but the policy improves the quality of life for those who need it.
Playdoyer pour une couverture universelle des frais de contraception
RadioCanada, Feb. 17, 2023
Du 13 au 17 février se déroulait la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé sexuelle et reproductive et le nouveau Réseau de soins d'avortement du Nouveau-Brunswick en profite pour demander à la province d'offrir une couverture universelle des frais de contraception.
Amélie en a discuté avec la Dre Martha Paynter, porte-parole du Réseau des soins d'avortement du N.-B.
Canadian government pressured to grant universal access to contraception
Global News, May 12, 2022
As the Canadian federal government faces calls to improve access to abortion, advocates are now also calling for better access to all types of birth control. Canada's Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced $3.5 million for two organizations to help expand access to abortion. But that's just a small portion of a $45 million promised in last year's budget. Advocates say there are lots of other ways to spend the money, including on universal access to all forms of contraception. Global’s Abigail Bimman explains why it's a complicated topic and how politicians are responding.
Archive
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2024-03-25 - The Reflector: "NDP speaks to UCP’s denial of pharmacare."
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2024-03-13 - Edmonton Journal: "Opinion: Why Alberta opting out of federal pharmacare is a mistake."
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2024-03-13 - CBC News: "Mainstreet NS with Jeff Douglas."
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2024-03-11 - Hill Times: "‘Baby-steps’ pharmacare a test of our humanity and of our political leaders."
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2024-03-11 - CTV News: "N.S. sexual health clinic can no longer give free birth control to patients in need."
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2024-03-11 - The Globe and Mail: "Halifax sexual-health clinic can no longer give free birth control to patients in need."
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2024-03-10 - CBC News: "QEII clinic runs out of funds for its compassionate contraception program."
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2024-03-09 - Yahoo News: "Alberta playing risky politics by denying free contraceptives, physicians say."
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2024-03-08 - Ottawa Citizen: "Hogg: It's past time to let Ontario pharmacists prescribe contraception."
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2024-03-08 - Red Deer Advocate: "National pharmacare is important for women, says Alberta’s NDP on International Women’s Day."
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2024-03-07 - SaltWire: "Halifax clinic no longer able to provide free contraceptive devices for patients."
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2024-03-05 - Pelham Today: "MPP Stevens continues leading charge for universal contraception coverage."
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2024-03-01 - CBC News: "Sask. wants details before joining federal pharmacare plan."
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2024-03-01 - SaltWire: "Letter: Everyone in N.L. would benefit from free prescription contraception."
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2024-02-29 - The Free Press: "Birth control, diabetes to be covered under initial pharmacare test run."
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2024-02-29 - CBC News: "Ottawa unveils national pharmacare plan that covers diabetes, contraception to start."
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2024-02-28 - The Globe and Mail: "Alberta’s knee-jerk reaction to pharmacare puts its residents at a disadvantage."
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2024-02-24 - Global News: "Alberta intends to opt out of national pharmacare plan."
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2024-02-14 - The Globe and Mail: "Birth control included in talks for new Liberal-NDP pharmacare deal."
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2024-02-14 - CBC News: "Coverage of birth control, diabetes medication part of Liberal-NDP pharmacare talks."
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2024-01-29 - CBC News: "Alberta doctors call for action on women's health in new awareness campaign."
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2024-01-29 - TVO Today: "It’s time for OHIP to cover all forms of prescription contraception."
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2024-01-29 - CBC News: "P.E.I. aiming to make more types of birth control more affordable."
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2024-01-08 - Edmonton Journal: "Opinion: Free birth control would benefit Alberta's health care, economy."
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2024-01-03 - The Canadian: "Free contraception pits influencers and social conservatives against each other."
2023
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2023-12-07 - The Carillon, Regina: "Removing barriers to contraception."
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2023-12-03 - CBC News: "Access Now Nova Scotia Coalition advocates for free contraception in N.S.."
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2023-11-29 - Cover ContraceptiON: "CoverContraceptiON Disappointed in Lack of Commitment for Universal Contraception."
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2023-11-28 - Global News: "Alberta government’s decision to not offer free birth control shortsighted, advocate says."
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2023-11-27 - CBC News: "NDP proposes plan to launch free contraception program for Ontario residents."
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2023-11-27 - Asian Tribune: "Could prescription contraception be free in Ontario Ford government signals willingness."
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2023-11-24 - 104.7 Heart FM: "MPP Tables Bill for Free Contraception."
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2023-11-24 - Bay Today: "Ontario NDP wants free birth control under OHIP."
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2023-11-24 - CHCH: "Ontario signals support for NDP motion for free birth control."
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2023-11-23 - CTV News, Toronto: "Ontario NDP hopes Doug Ford government will support free birth control."
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2023-11-23 - Global News: "Free prescription contraception from the Manitoba government a win for one expert."
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2023-11-23 - Global News: "Could prescription contraception be free in Ontario? Ford government signals willingness."
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2023-11-22 - CBC News: "Women's health advocates applaud Manitoba's plan to subsidize prescription birth control."
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2023-11-22 - CTV News Winnipeg: "Manitoba government throne speech released. Here is what they're promising."
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2023-11-22 - City News Winnipeg: "Manitoba promises more health care workers, fuel tax suspension in throne speech."
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2023-11-22 - Winnipeg Free Press: "Highlights from the throne speech."
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2023-11-16 - Ground: "Ontario NDP hopes Doug Ford government will support free birth control."
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2023-10-08 - CTV News Atlantic: "Campaign launched in Nova Scotia."
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2023-10-07 - CBC News: "Group renews call for free birth control in Nova Scotia."
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2023-10-03 - Toronto Star: "Ontario Pharmacists Association says ability to prescribe birth control should be next."
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2023-10-03 - CTV News, Toronto: "Ontario Pharmacists Association says ability to prescribe birth control should be next."
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2023-09-29 - The Dalhousie Gazette: "Access Now Nova Scotia advocates for universal no-cost contraception."
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2023-09-26 - Market Screener: "On World Contraception Day, Organon Canada Declares Support for Universal Access to Contraception in Canada."
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2023-09-26 - CTV News, Regina: "Sask. medical students launch letter writing campaign on World Contraceptive Day."
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2023-09-26 - Financial Post: "Liberal MP will make the case to HoC for universal access to contraceptives in Canada on World Contraception Day."
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2023-09-26 - Action Canada: "New Ranking of Provincial Contraception Policies Highlights Access Disparities Across Canada."
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2023-08-28 - The Globe and Mail: "Letters: ‘Free birth control on a national scale should be a top government priority.’"
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2023-08-24 - Le Journal de Montreal: "Une pétition canadienne qui demande la gratuité de la contraception sur ordonnance fortement appuyée au Québec."
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2023-08-23 - CBC News: "Critics alarmed as Sask. government scales back sexual health education."
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2023-08-23 - The Globe and Mail: "Opinion: Ottawa should follow B.C. and make birth control free across Canada."
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2023-08-22 - Alberta College of Family Physicians: "The Time Has Come to Make Birth Control Free in Canada."
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2023-08-17 - Real Talk with Ryan Jespers: "The Fight for Free Contraception in Canada."
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2023-08-07 - Saltwire: "‘A great step forward’: P.E.I. pharmacists can now prescribe birth control."
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2023-08-05 - Saskatoon StarPheonix: "Opinion: Saskatchewan needs universal coverage of contraception."
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2023-08-02 - UCalgary: "Cumming School of Medicine alumna advocates for reproductive rights."
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2023-08-02 - CBC News: "Calgary doctor behind petition to federal government for free, universal birth control."
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2023-08-01 - Calgary Herald: "Calgary doctor leads campaign for federal policy on free birth control."
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2023-07-24 - Global News: "‘Reproductive rights are human rights’: Calgary doctor pushes for universal contraception coverage."
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2023-07-03 - GenZHer: "Birth Control Opinions in North America."
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2023-06-23 - Penticton Herald: "HPPH discusses contraception in Huron-Perth."
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2023-06-20 - CBC - the Current: "The case for free contraception in Canada."
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2023-06-20 - Ottawa Citizen: "Free, universal access to birth control a top goal for Ottawa researcher helming national gynecological society."
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2023-05-16 - Calgary Herald: "Opinion: Free contraceptives lead to substantial economic benefits."
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2023-04-23 - CBC: "Sask. medical students calling for free contraception."
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2023-04-22 - Regina Leader-Post: "Murray Mandryk: Sask. Party uncomfortable with contraception debate."
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2023-04-20 - SaskToday: "Frustrations for NDP on health care, duty to consult issues."
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2023-04-19 - Regina Leader-Post: "Doctors, students call for universal access to contraception in Saskatchewan."
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2023-04-19 - CTV News: "'A human right': Advocates visit Sask. Legislature to call for no-cost prescription contraceptives."
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2023-04-19 - 620 CKRM: "NDP announces commitment to free contraceptives and calls on Sask. Party to implement it ASAP."
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2023-04-19 - 650 CKOM: "Group advocating for universal coverage of contraceptives in Sask."
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2023-04-17 - CBC Radio: "Should Ontario offer free prescription contraception?"
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2023-04-16 - Global News: "University of Saskatchewan medical students call for free birth control."
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2023-04-13 - Regina-Leader Post: "Med students campaigning for Sask. to offer free birth control."
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2023-04-12 - Radio Canada, Ici Saskatchewan: "Des étudiants en médecine militent pour la gratuité des contraceptifs sur ordonnance."
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2023-04-12 - CBC News: "Sask. med students push province to make prescription birth control free."
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2023-04-12 - University of Guelph: "B.C.’s Contraceptives Coverage Should Inspire the Rest of North America."
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2023-04-12 - CTV News, Regina: "'This is a priority': Group advocating for universal access to contraceptives in Sask."
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2023-04-05 - Saskatoon Star Pheonix: "Opinion: Saskatchewan needs universal coverage of contraception."
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2023-04-04 - Capital Current: "B.C. leads the way with free contraception: Will other provinces follow?"
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2023-03-31 - Edmonton Journal: "Opinion: Alberta would benefit from free prescription birth control."
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2023-03-31 - McGill Catalyst: "British Columbia’s Free Contraception Plan: A Win for Reproductive Rights."
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2023-03-29 - Saltwire: "COMMENTARY: Prescription contraceptives should be free across Canada."
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2023-03-25 - CBC News: "Nearly three-quarters of Albertans support free prescription birth control, survey suggests."
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2023-03-20 - The Winnipeg Free Press: "NDP, Tories clash in house over birth control."
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2023-03-19 - CBC News: "NDP promises some free birth control options for Manitobans, if elected."
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2023-03-19 - Global News: "Manitoba Opposition NDP promises free birth control if elected in fall election."
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2023-03-19 - The Winnipeg Sun: "NDP commit to free birth control if elected."
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2023-03-19 - The Toronto Star: "Manitoba Opposition NDP promises free birth control if elected in fall election."
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2023-03-19 - The Winnipeg Free Press: "It is a right, not luxury: NDP promises free birth control ahead of provincial election."
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2023-03-19 - CTV News Winnipeg: "'A basic human right': Manitoba NDP promise free birth control if elected."
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2023-03-19 - The Mirror: "Manitoba Opposition NDP promises free birth control if elected in fall election."
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2023-03-17 - Red Deer New Now: "Alberta NDP reconfirms committment in Red Deer for free prescription contraception."
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2023-03-16 - The Toronto Star: "Pregnant political posturing: How IVF and contraception funding could factor into Alberta’s looming election."
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2023-03-16 - Red Deer Advocate: "Free prescription contraception proposed by Alberta’s NDP."
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2023-03-15 - TVO Today: "Could free birth control be on the horizon in Ontario?"
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2023-03-14 - The Winnipeg Free Press: "Free contraception should be province’s Plan A."
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2023-03-13 - The Hill Times: "No-cost contraception is the leadership Canada needs to follow."
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2023-03-12 - Rabble: "Providing abortion care in prison and the need for universal contraception coverage."
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2023-03-09 - The Standard: "Stevens ‘pleased’ with response to free contraception: ‘It’s simply the right thing to do.’"
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2023-03-09 - CBC News: "Sask. advocates, Opposition call for free birth control."
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2023-03-09 - Bay Today: "Bill introduced to make contraception available under OHIP."
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2023-03-08 - CBC News: "Yukon NDP pushes for free prescription birth control."
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2023-03-08 - CTV News: "NDP promising free birth control for Albertans if elected in May."
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2023-03-08 - CTV News: "A Canadian province just became the 1st to offer free birth control. Will Ontario follow suit?"
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2023-03-08 - Time Out: "Will prescription birth control be free in Quebec?"
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2023-03-08 - CBC News: "Free contraception — the intended consequences of Alberta NDP's new promise."
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2023-03-08 - The Globe and Mail: "Alberta NDP promising to fund prescription contraception if elected."
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2023-03-08 - National Post: "Ontario looking 'closely' at B.C.'s free prescription contraception plan: Jones."
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2023-03-08 - Edmonton Journal: "Alberta NDP promises to cover the costs of prescription birth control if elected."
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2023-03-06 - MTL Blog: "Free Contraception Quebec."
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2023-03-06 - Ontario Today: "Should Ontario pay for birth control like BC?"
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2023-03-05 - Radio Canada: "Québec solidaire veut que les moyens de contraception soient offerts gratuitement."
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2023-03-05 - Montreal Gazette: "Québec solidaire wants prescription contraceptives available for free."
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2023-03-04 - CTV News: "Quebec should follow B.C.'s lead and make contraception free, says QS."
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2023-03-02 - CBC News: "B.C. to offer residents free prescription birth control. Should Quebec do the same?"
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2023-03-02 - Toronto Star: "Birth control will soon be free in B.C. Will Ontario follow?"
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2023-02-17 - RadioCanada: "Playdoyer pour une couverture universelle des frais de contraception."
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2023-02-13 - Telegraph-Journal (New Brunswick): "New provincial abortion network callsa for birth control coverage."
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2022-05-23 - CTV News, Montreal: "Partly inspired by U.S. politics, Quebec Solidaire pitches free access to all contraception."
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2022-05-11 - Global News: "Canadian government pressured to grant universal access to contraception."
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2022-05-04 - Narcity: "Jagmeet Singh Is Calling For Free Birth Control & Emergency Contraception In Canada."
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2022-05-04 - CTV News: "Launch national pharmacare with free birth control, NDP pitches."
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2022-04-21 - CP24: "Ontario NDP pledges free prescription birth control if elected in June."
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2022-04-21 - CBC News: "Ontario NDP promises to cover prescription birth control under OHIP if elected."
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2022-04-21 - Global News: "NDP promise to ‘fully cover’ birth control under OHIP if elected in June."
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2022-04-12 - CTV News: "Health advocates call for publicly funded birth control in Nova Scotia."
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2022-04-12 - CBC News: "Advocates urge N.S. government to make contraceptives widely available, free."
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2022-04-12 - Halifax Examiner: "Free contraception offers significant cost savings, improvements in population health, advocates tell Standing Committee on Health."
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2022-04-12 - Halifax Examiner: "Nova Scotia can demonstrate public sector leadership in sexual health by committing to free contraception for all."
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2022-04-12 - Eminetra: "Health advocates seek publicly funded contraception in Nova Scotia."
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2022-03-18 - The Projector: "Free birth control fights stigma, saves money."
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2022-03-14 - Winnipeg Free Press: "Province should support cost-free contraception."
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2022-02-15 - CTV News Winnipeg: "We want to break those barriers down': Group calls for contraceptive coverage in 'Manitoba's pharmacare program."
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2021-04-22 - UM Today News: "Medical students lobby province for universal coverage of contraception."
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2021-04-15 - Manitoba - Winnipeg Free Press: "Province urged to provide free contraception."
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2021-03-31 - Nova Scotia - CTV New: "N.S. NDP proposes new bill that would see birth control products covered under MSI."
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2021-03-31 - Nova Scotia - CBC News: "NDP bill would cover contraceptive costs for people without health plans in N.S."
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2021-03-18 - Yukon - CBC News: "Campaign trail notes: Here's what Yukon's political parties had to say March 17."
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2021-03-09 - Yukon - The Rush, CKRW 96.1FM: "Yukon NDP Commits to Free Prescription Contraception."
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2021-01-18 - Ontario - TVO: "Why this group wants no-cost contraception for all Ontarians."
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2019-05-09 - National - CBC News: "Offer free birth control for youth, Canadian Paediatric Society says."