Federal health minister announces research into challenges accessing abortion in N.B.
The federal health minister committed $366,000 Tuesday for research on challenges women face accessing abortion in New Brunswick.
Patty Hajdu made the announcement in Fredericton, saying the study to be led by the University of New Brunswick will provide data for advocates to show the necessity of providing abortions at Clinic 554 in the provincial capital.
She says Ottawa would be outside of its jurisdiction if it directly increased funding for abortions at clinics, though she says the clinics and other abortion providers can apply for funding to help women with travel and other assistance to reach clinics.
New Brunswick law bans government funding for abortions conducted outside three approved hospitals -- two in Moncton and one in Bathurst -- and the province has refused funding for Clinic 554.
The provincial Progressive Conservative government of Blaine Higgs has accused Ottawa of attempting to turn abortion access into a federal election issue, and Higgs has said the Horizon Health Network -- which covers Fredericton -- doesn't think it is necessary to add abortion services in the province.
Hajdu said organizations such as the Fredericton clinic can apply for a share of Ottawa's recent budget commitment of $45 million for supports such as training materials, public awareness activities and travel and logistical support for people who could not otherwise access abortion services.
Dr. Adrian Edgar, medical director of Clinic 544, applauded the announcement, saying it will help the clinic paint a clearer picture to New Brunswickers of the need for the clinic's services.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.