Canadians will have access to free contraception and diabetes medication, including birth control pills, IUD’s and insulin.

The federal government is launching the first step in the National Pharmacare Plan, with a $1.5 billion investment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in Truro, N.S., Friday afternoon.

“Coverage for contraceptives will mean that millions of Canadians will have better access to contraception and reproductive autonomy.  This will help improve family planning, reproductive rights and fundamentally… equity.”

With this coverage, the feds say, nine million more women will have more affordable choices and the right to make decisions.

In addition, 3.7 million Canadians will be able to get diabetes medication such as insulin, for free, saving up to $1,700 a year.

The Prime Minister also highlighted other initiatives they are taking in order to improve dental and health care.

This includes the Canadian Dental Care Plan that kicked in May 1, that will give coverage to up to 9 million uninsured Canadians, starting with seniors.

Roughly 10,000 providers have already signed on and around 100,000 seniors have received treatment.

The feds say they are also investing $200 billion to help provinces and territories train more doctors and nurses, reduce hospital wait times and improve access to family doctors.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland says they are taking steps each day to build a stronger health care system so that everyone in Canada gets the care they need.

“From our pharmacare plan that will help millions of people receive free contraceptives and diabetes medication to the Canadian Dental Care Plan that is making dental care more accessible right across the country, we are focused on getting Canadians better public health care.”

These initiatives are all part of highlighted measures announced in Budget 2024.