The federal government says any future negotiations about boosting health funding to provinces will be tied to talks on sexual and reproductive health services — including abortion. Health Minister Patty Hajdu has said New Brunswick is contravening the Canada Health Act by not covering out-of-hospital abortions. Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu argued at the time the province was contravening the Canada Health Act by refusing to cover out-of-hospital abortions. The NDP says the budget doesn't go far enough in promoting abortion access, especially in rural communities. A spokesperson for Hajdu said the government won't rule out using the Canada Health Act to defend abortion access.

Source: CBC News April 20, 2021 19:52 UTC