I certainly appreciate the member’s advocacy, but I also want to remind people of what we have already done in the province of Ontario. Already in the province of Ontario, we have access to contraceptives for anyone under the age of 25. We have it for individuals who are challenged financially, to access through the Ontario Trillium drug benefit program.

These programs are put in place and have been part of our Ontario health system because we understand that we need to ensure that there is equitable access, and we need to make sure that it is targeted in a way to protect the individuals who need it most, which is why with those two programs alone, we cover 40% of the population.

Back to the minister: Minister, if you believe that the current policy for publicly funded contraception up to the age of 24 is effective, should that rationale not extend to those beyond the age of 24? Women’s fertility spans approximately 30 years, not nine, necessitating broader access.

Research shows a net health system cost saving of $5 per resident, underscoring the efficiency of preventive over surgical health care. The selective approach of OHIP+ risks perpetuating inequities. Given the cost neutrality, gender equity implications and bipartisan potential, will you recognize the benefits of pursuing universal contraception access, following the example set out by other provinces in Canada?

So again, I will remind the member opposite that it is in fact under the age of 25. Forty per cent of the population is covered. Those two programs alone are already in place in the province of Ontario.

Can we look at other opportunities to improve the system? Absolutely. That is why we are doing so many of the health system pieces that we have in place. But I also want to highlight the excellent work that the Minister of Education has been able to do in securing $10-a-day daycare for the province of Ontario.

This is not an issue that we are looking at only in one ministry. We are making sure that women empowerment—individual access is critically important, but we’re doing it in a whole-of-government approach, not one-offs.