Government of Canada Strengthens Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Youth

The Government of Canada firmly believes that everyone should have access to safe and consistent sexual and reproductive health services. To do so, we are committed to removing barriers to access that continue to exist from coast to coast to coast.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of improving accessibility and promoting inclusion for everyone in Canada, including youth. Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced more than $2.8 million in funding from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund for projects by the Centre for Sexuality, and the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN). These projects will improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and resources for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access, more specifically youth, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples.

The Centre for Sexuality will receive $2,033,062 to adapt their existing in-person program, the Relationship and Sexual Health Education program, to include an online component as well as content related to the particular needs of LGBTQ2 youth, First Nations communities, and persons with developmental disabilities. This project will also support the development of training resources for health care providers to help them better meet the needs of these specific populations.

SIECCAN will receive $805,916 to provide health service providers with the materials and tools to improve sexual health promotion for Autistic youth and disabled youth.This project will develop toolkits to improve care and services tailored to these populations.

These investments reflect our belief that reproductive rights are fundamental rights, and as such our Government will always protect these rights for all individuals in Canada.