Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on International Women's Day
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**From:** 

**Statement**

March 8, 2025 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

On this , as we acknowledge and honour the incredible successes and contributions of women and girls across the country, it's more important than ever to support and defend the rights of every woman and girl in Canada.

## Striving For Health Equity

This year's theme is: "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment". Many women in Canada continue to experience barriers to care and health inequalities that limit their access to essential health services. To break down these barriers and improve access to health care—like breast cancer screening and affordable and accessible birth control options—we must adopt solutions that reflect the diverse needs of people in Canada.

Good health starts with great research. Under the , we are investing in research that addresses under-researched and high-priority areas of women's health, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, access to reproductive health care, gender-based violence, policies and practices to support breastfeeding, and screening for breast and cervical cancers.

It will promote an intersectional lens to research and care to tackle persistent gaps for all women, including for Indigenous, Black, and racialized women, women with disabilities, and members of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities.

We're also investing in the talent of women researchers. Through the , we're supporting 34 outstanding women researchers across the country, studying topics such as burnout in female physicians, brain health, lupus, and gene therapy.

## Improving Access

Since 2014-15, as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to take action against family and gender-based violence, we have continued to invest up to $18 million per year. Continuing until 2026 with more than $14 million per year ongoing to support organizations that deliver and test programs that promote safe relationships; prevent youth dating violence, family violence and child maltreatment; and, equip health professionals and service providers to recognize and respond safely to family violence.

Access to contraception is a cornerstone of health equity. However, for far too many women, the cost of contraception is a significant barrier—discouraging individuals from accessing contraception or choosing the method of contraception that works best for them.

The federal government is working towards delivering national pharmacare, which would provide free access to a range of contraception medications and devices, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, morning-after pills and other contraception options. Free contraception coverage will save up to $300 or more each year for over 9 million women and gender diverse people in Canada.

In addition to contraception, we believe that everyone should have access to  care services and resources that are safe, supportive, and stigma-free. Since 2021, the Government of Canada has provided $81 million through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund to increase the availability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health care support, information, and services, including access to abortion, for those who face the greatest barriers to access to care. In December 2024, the federal government committed $90 million over six years, starting in 2024-25, with $20 million ongoing to expand and permanently establish the .

International Women's Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness, recognize and honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. It is crucial that we continue to work in collaboration with Indigenous partners to seek justice for those affected, and take action to prevent these acts of gender and racially-based violence.

Everyone in Canada, regardless of where they live or how much money they make, deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported, and have equal opportunities to thrive. By working together to protect everyone's right to bodily autonomy, and ensure women and girls have equitable access to health care services, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier and more sustainable future where all Canadians are empowered to protect and improve their health.

Join the conversation on social media using #IWD2025.

- The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
- The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.

## Contacts

### Matthew Kronberg 
**Press Secretary**  
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland  
Minister of Health  
343-552-5654  

### Callum Haney 
**Press Secretary**  
Office of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks  
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health  
343-576-4407  

### Media Relations  
Public Health Agency of Canada  
613-957-2983  


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