Medicare to cover surgical abortions outside N.B. hospitals
Medicare will now cover the cost of surgical abortions outside of hospitals in New Brunswick.
The newly-elected Liberal government announced it has approved changes to Regulation 84-20 to allow for the change in cost coverage. The Medicare change was one of the many promises the Liberals made on the campaign trail last month.
“Everyone deserves access to the health care they need, and, with this change, we are making it easier for everyone who needs this service to access it, regardless of where they live,” said Health Minister John Dornan in a news release.
The government says the Department of Health will work with regional health authorities and the New Brunswick Medical Society to determine how these services will be implemented.
"This does not change the fact that abortions will not become accessible tomorrow in New Brunswick," Premier Susan Holt said. "There is work to be done with the medical professionals and with the people in this room to make sure that we take this step and we move to get that access into community."
Jeff Gunnarson, president of Campaign Life Coalition, an anti-abortion group, disputes the assertion abortion is health care.
"Health care as it relates to abortion is an oxymoron," he said. "It just doesn't make sense. Abortion is not health care."
The release notes surgical abortions are only available at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, the Moncton Hospital and the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton. Medical abortions account for most abortions in the province.
Clinic 554 in Fredericton, which provided the only procedural abortions outside of hospitals in New Brunswick, closed last February for financial reasons.
"We know what it entails so we can ensure that the measures put in place will be able to support collaborative clinics as well as practitioners to be able to provide services for their clients," said Valerya Edelman, former manager of Clinic 554.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
Shoppers raise complaints after being charged twice for Walmart purchases
A Saskatchewan shopper is out more than $200 after being charged twice for her grocery purchase at a Regina Walmart.
Premier Moe calls on Trudeau to denounce export taxes as retaliation option against Trump
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly say that export taxes will not be used as a retaliatory measure should U.S. president-elect Donald Trump impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports, arguing that there are 'other ways for us to have an impact.'
'We can’t search forever:' Drug shortage leaves Ontario family scrambling to find epilepsy medication
For months, Rebecca Roland and her family have been scouring the province for pharmacies that carry her father’s epilepsy medication.
Man charged with using explosives in fire that caused $3 million in damage to Mississauga, Ont. building
A man has been charged with using explosives in connection with a fire in Mississauga that caused $3 million in damage to a building housing high-end vehicles on Sunday.
Stay sober and have a jolly holiday season with these expert tips
Sobriety has been having a moment, says Jessica Jeboult, founder of the website and online community A Sober Girl's Guide.
South Korea's parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order
South Korea's parliament on Saturday impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his stunning and short-lived martial law decree, a move that ended days of political paralysis but set up an intense debate over Yoon's fate, as jubilant crowds roared to celebrate another defiant moment in the country's resilient democracy.
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
Toronto
-
Holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' for some Ontario retailers
Some small businesses in Ontario think the upcoming holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' that could potentially cause issues before and after the policy is over.
-
'We can’t search forever:' Drug shortage leaves Ontario family scrambling to find epilepsy medication
For months, Rebecca Roland and her family have been scouring the province for pharmacies that carry her father’s epilepsy medication.
-
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
Calgary
-
Widow of pedestrian hit and killed on Elbow Drive supports crosswalk changes
The wife of a Calgary man killed while crossing the road in a marked intersection is pushing for flashing lights to be installed.
-
Alberta's new CTrain Green Line plan includes elevated downtown tracks, more stops
The province has released a “reimagined” plan for the Green Line CTrain track that it says is longer and less expensive than what the City of Calgary had planned.
-
Woman dies after being struck by vehicle in crosswalk in N.E. Calgary
A woman in her late 50s is dead after she was struck by a vehicle in Calgary's northeast on Friday evening.
Edmonton
-
Baby found in south Edmonton parking lot died before birth
The baby found in a south Edmonton parking lot last weekend died before birth.
-
Killing in central Edmonton was domestic violence incident: police
One person is facing murder charges in connection with a death in central Edmonton last weekend.
-
'Help them along the way': Widow says MAID program working as province explores adding limitations, increasing oversight
The Government of Alberta is exploring the idea of introducing limitations and provincial oversight to medical assistance in death.
Montreal
-
Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces
Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in.
-
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
-
Lawyers in Quebec class actions seek $906M in fees for work in landmark tobacco case
Lawyers representing tens of thousands of Quebecers in two class-action lawsuits against three major tobacco manufacturers will seek to receive more than $900 million in fees for their work in the landmark case that has spanned decades.
Ottawa
-
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Here's how to elevate the bow trend this holiday season
Bows and ribbons are the trend this holiday season, whether on Christmas trees or clothing items, an Ottawa expert says.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
London
-
Active investigation underway: LPS
The London Police Service is conducting an active investigation following an early morning incident.
-
CTV News London’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
-
Lumber mill levelled by mid-morning blaze
A lumber mill is in ruins following a fire east of Wingham, Ont.
Barrie
-
South Simcoe police mourn death of officer facing discreditable conduct charges
The South Simcoe Police Service is mourning the passing of one of its officers.
-
Gravenhurst turns tide on dig out 2 weeks after state of emergency declaration
The Town of Gravenhurst remains in recovery mode after record snowfalls this month, but there is reason to be optimistic.
-
Student charged with explosives-related offence in Kawartha Lakes
Provincial police in Kawartha Lakes charged a student following a report that someone brought an unknown substance into a school.
Northern Ontario
-
Outpouring of support for woman shot at northern Ont. bank
There has been an outpouring of support for a woman who was shot at a northern Ontario bank on Thursday.
-
One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario
A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores.
-
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party
Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party.
Kitchener
-
School warns parents of possible scarlet fever case in Waterloo, Ont.
There are new concerns surrounding a highly contagious infection after a suspected case of scarlet fever was reported at a school in Waterloo, Ont.
-
This little piggy went to the humane society
The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets.
-
Good growing season for Christmas trees but climate change concerns remain
Christmas tree farmers in southern Ontario say they’ve had a good growing season, but they remain concerned about the future of the industry.
Windsor
-
CTV News Windsor’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
-
11 dogs dead, 8 more under Animal Welfare care following canine parvovirus outbreak in Windsor
Ontario's Animal Welfare Service is investigating a deadly outbreak of canine parvovirus after several dogs became ill earlier this month.
-
Fed up resident displays warning bordering on vigilantism
Pelissier Street resident Alex felt he needed to get attention about his concerns over downtown “drug users and thieves.”
Winnipeg
-
'Should be a concern': The Boyd Building put on the endangered list
A Winnipeg building is on the endangered list.
-
'It's crunch time': Businesses opting to hand deliver orders amid Canada Post strike
Even if the Canada Post strike were to end today, it wouldn’t be enough to salvage the holiday season for local businesses, according to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
-
Putting the pieces together: Avid puzzlers share their passion for the hobby
Whether it’s working solo, taking part in competitions or hosting exchanges, Manitobans with a passion for puzzles say the hobby is a perfect fit.
Regina
-
Concern for mandatory neck guards after Churchbridge player faces near fatal accident
Discussions on neck guards being mandatory for hockey players has come to light after a recent senior hockey player in east-central Saskatchewan experienced a near fatal accident.
-
'Lifeblood of this campus': University non-profits face uncertainty following students' union proposal
The future of three non-profit organizations at the University of Regina (U of R) is uncertain following a proposal by the students’ union (URSU).
-
Five Sask. players named to 2025 Canada's World Junior squad
Five Saskatchewan connections have been named to Canada’s U20 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship roster.
Saskatoon
-
'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child
In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl.
-
'What are we doing today?': STC Chief wants immediate action on homelessness
A day after city council voted to commit more than $5 million to address homeless shelter and encampment concerns, Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand says current plans fall short of what’s needed.
-
Concern for mandatory neck guards after Churchbridge player faces near fatal accident
Discussions on neck guards being mandatory for hockey players has come to light after a recent senior hockey player in east-central Saskatchewan experienced a near fatal accident.
Vancouver
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
-
'I feel like I belong': Why TV legend Mike McCardell finally decided to become a Canadian citizen
Retired award-winning broadcaster Mike McCardell was among nearly 70 people taking the oath of Canadian Citizenship in downtown Vancouver Friday.
-
B.C. pharmacist who dispensed 28,400 naloxone doses to single person fined, suspended
A Vancouver pharmacist has been suspended six months, ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and directed to take remedial courses after admitting to misconduct in a consent order agreement with his professional college.
Vancouver Island
-
Are bigger, better vessels coming to BC Ferries? Why critics are questioning the proposal
BC Ferries is taking a step forward in its plan to build five new vessels, but critics say the proposal could be steering the province into troubled waters.
-
Strong winds and high tides could bring storm surge to coastal B.C., forecaster says
Environment Canada is warning of a storm surge on British Columbia's south coast that could reach a metre high.
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
