Everyone should have access to reliable sexual and reproductive health services, the Canadian government is adamant. We are dedicated to eradicating access barriers that still remain from coast to coast in order to achieve this. The Canadian government understands how crucial it is to provide accessibility and foster inclusion for all Canadians, especially children and young people. The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, today announced that the Centre for Sexuality and the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada will receive more than $2.8 million in financing from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund for their projects (SIECCAN). For Canadians who have the greatest access challenges, particularly teenagers, people with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples, these projects will increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and resources.
The Relationship and Sexual Health Education Program, an existing in-person programme at The Centre for Sexuality, will receive $2,033,062 to be modified to include an online component and content specific to the needs of LGBTQ2 youth, First Nations communities, and people with developmental disabilities. In order to enable healthcare professionals better address the requirements of these particular groups, this project will also promote the development of training materials for them.
SIECCAN will receive $805,916 to help health service providers better promote sexual health for Autistic youth and youth with disabilities. To improve the care and services provided to these people, this initiative will create toolkits. These investments are a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Canada has access to reproductive rights, which we view as essential human rights.