On May 7, the federal NDP secured free contraceptives and diabetes medication for millions of Canadians, saving people across North Island-Powell River hundreds of dollars, according to a media release from the NDP.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives voted against providing free birth control for women and diabetes medication for people who need it, the release stated.
On the same day, Conservative MP Arnold Viersen from Peace River-Westlock tabled a petition to restrict abortion access in Canada, according to the release. The Conservatives have also chosen a candidate in North Island-Powell River who is against women’s rights to choose, the release stated.
“Every person should be able to get the medication they need without worrying about what the cost to their budget is going to be, and women should be the ones making decisions about their own health,” stated North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney. “New Democrats are making sure that’s the reality, but Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have shown that they’ll try to stop this from happening at every turn. They’ve tried to block people from getting life-saving medication and want to stand in the way of women’s rights. It’s despicable.”
Before voting against free contraception and diabetes medications, the Conservatives tried to bring forward an amendment to block these measures, the release stated.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh called on the Conservatives to pull back their amendment. Still, the Conservatives refused and remained steadfast in blocking these measures that would lower costs for millions of Canadians, according to the release.
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, the release stated.
“People in North Island-Powell River deserve to have people fighting for them, their health and their wallets – not someone who’s going to undermine women’s rights and prevent you from getting your medication free of cost,” stated Blaney. “New Democrats are delivering real results to lower your bills and protect your health.”
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