NDP gets free contraception and diabetes for British Columbians, despite Conservatives voting no

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2024

OTTAWA - On Tuesday, the NDP secured free contraceptives for 9 million Canadians and diabetes medication for 3.7 million Canadians, saving British Columbians hundreds of dollars.

Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives voted against getting free birth control for women, and diabetes medications for people who need it. The same day that Conservative MP Arnold Viersen tabled a petition to restrict abortion access in Canada.

“Being able to access birth control without the cost being a factor, or getting the medication needed to manage diabetes without spending hundreds of dollars, is going to make a huge difference for many people in our community. This will save people money and make sure they get the health care they need,” said NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody – Coquitlam). “It is shameful that on the same day Conservatives voted to block free birth control for women, one of their MPs tabled a petition calling for more barriers on women’s right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. New Democrats will always fight for a woman’s right to choose.” 

Before voting against free contraception and diabetes medications, Poilievre’s Conservatives tried to bring forward an amendment to block these measures. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called on the Conservatives to pull back their amendment, but Poilievre refused and remained steadfast in blocking these measures that would lower costs for millions of Canadians.

This is no surprise since the last Conservative government cut $43.5 billion from the health care system and gave $60 billion in tax cuts to CEOs and wealthy corporations.

“British Columbians have been splitting their pills in half because it's too costly to refill prescriptions. They’ve been putting their health in jeopardy to keep food on the table; it absolutely shouldn’t be like this,” said NDP MP Peter Julian (New Westminster – Burnaby). “But rather than making sure people can afford the medications they need, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have made it clear – they don’t stand with people. They don’t want women to have more choices about their health or care about what life-saving diabetes medication costs.

“The Conservatives may not be focused on making life more affordable for you, but New Democrats are. We believe women should have no barriers when making decisions about their health and that everyone should be able to get the medications they need without fear of cost.”