Winnipeg, February 27, 2025
In a landmark step for reproductive rights, Manitoba has become the first province in Canada to sign onto the federal Pharmacare agreement. This historic move paves the way for free contraception, hormone replacement therapy and diabetes medications, setting a precedent for the rest of the country at a critical moment for public healthcare.
“Access to contraception should never depend on your postal code or what’s in your bank account,” says Frederique Chabot, Acting Executive Director at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. “If provincial agreements aren’t reached soon, Pharmacare could be dead in the water. We urge all provinces and territories to follow Manitoba’s lead in implementing Pharmacare and ensuring that all Canadians can access the medications they need to thrive.”
As the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada, we work closely with our network of sexual health centers to deliver care to communities across the country. Phasing in Pharmacare across provinces will advance gender equality, reduce healthcare costs and make life more affordable. However, the implementation of Pharmacare must go hand in hand with strengthening frontline organizations like Women’s Health Clinic, where today’s announcement took place.
“Expanding Pharmacare to include free contraception is a major win for reproductive rights, but it must be paired with investments in sexual health organizations,” says Kemlin Nembhard of Women’s Health Clinic. “We are key partners in rolling out this program and ensuring access for vulnerable populations. "We are key partners in rolling out this program and ensuring access for vulnerable populations. Without adequate funding for clinics and community-based healthcare, gaps in care will persist.”
We applaud the collaboration shown by Minister Holland and Minister Asagwara who work across jurisdictions and across the political parties. While Manitoba’s commitment marks a turning point, the future of Pharmacare remains uncertain. Without swift agreements from other provinces, Canada risks losing momentum on what could be one of the most transformative healthcare policies in decades. During this pivotal moment, Action Canada urges people to contact their provincial representatives to make universal Pharmacare a reality from coast to coast to coast.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Quinn Lazenby
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
613-241-4474 x 13200