Contraception Advocacy and Policy Resources

Contraception Advocacy and Policy Resources 

For years, Action Canada has been pushing for universal contraception coverage in Canada. In October of 2024, Canada passed Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, establishing the foundational principles for the first phase of Canada's national universal pharmacare program with the introduction of universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for prescription drugs, starting with coverage for diabetes and contraception medications. 

This historic victory resulted from countless policy briefs, panels and parliamentary meetings to push for progress.

As negotiations between the federal government and provinces/territories continue, Action Canada urges people to contact their Premiers and demand universal contraception. The momentum is here, but action is needed to make it a reality from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

 

Types of Contraception Methods

Birth control methods are ways to prevent pregnancy when having sex. Use this resource to learn about the various forms of contraception. 

➤ Access this resource
Policy Brief: Bill C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare

Use this resource as a backgrounder to Bill C-64, to navigate common questions, and to gain a clearer understanding of why a single-payer, universal, first-dollar approach to free contraception is needed in Canada.

 ➤ Access this resource
Factsheet: In Defence of Pharmacare

Factsheet: In Defence of Pharmacare 

The pharmaceutical lobby (also known as Big Pharma) often uses myths to justify its opposition to Canada’s national pharmacare program. This resource debunks a few of the biggest ones. 

➤Access the resource
Policy Brief: Provinces Should Implement Canada’s Pharmacare Plan

Provincial governments are uniquely positioned to use their negotiation power to make free contraception a reality. Use this resource to illustrate why provinces and territories should work with the federal government to sign comprehensive agreements. 

➤ Access this resource
Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas (2025)

The Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas ranks provinces from best to worst in overall performance based on an evaluation of government policies in place to support access to contraceptive supplies and information. 

➤ Access this resource 

The Contraception Atlas was developed in partnership with the Contraception and Abortion Research Team (CART-GRAC) of the University of British Columbia.
Canadian Contraception Atlas Paper (2025)

Universal access to contraception gives individuals the autonomy to make informed choices about their health and lives. Use this resource as a backgrounder accompanying the 2024 Canadian Contraception Policy Atlas. 

➤ Access this resource
Policy Brief: Talking Points for Provincial Opposition Parties

All elected officials should push their provincial governments to sign agreements with the federal government and ensure that agreements adhere to a single-payer, universal, first-dollar approach versus a “Fill the Gap” approach. Use this brief to provide talking points for provincial opposition parties. 

➤ Access this resource
Policy Brief: Sexual Health Centres and Pharmacare

This brief outlines the key and vital role sexual health centres play in their local communities in delivering culturally competent sexual health care. Use this resource to illustrate why it is integral to include sexual health centres and clinics in the negotiation and rollout of this process. 

➤ Access this resource