VANCOUVER - A BC NDP government would open a first-in-Canada perinatal mental health unit at BC Women’s Hospital, expand Pharmacare coverage for menopause care, and launch a province-wide women’s health strategy, David Eby announced Tuesday.
The proposed perinatal unit would let mothers experiencing serious mental health challenges receive inpatient care while staying with their newborn babies, instead of being separated to get treatment. The party describes it as the first facility of its kind in Canada.
The plan also includes BC Pharmacare coverage for menopause treatments for people with breast cancer who cannot use hormone therapy, and expanded pharmacist prescribing of local vaginal estrogen to treat recurring urinary tract infections.
A province-wide women’s health strategy would focus on expanding menopause care, reducing diagnostic delays, and improving reproductive and maternal mental health care.
“Too many women face barriers and delays when trying to access care they need and deserve,” Eby said. “We’re determined to ensure every woman gets timely, proper care and support at every stage of her life.”
The announcement drew support from BC Women’s Health Foundation president Cally Wesson and In Her Circle co-founder Kiri Bird, whose organization was founded in memory of a Vancouver mother who died during severe postpartum illness.
(Source: BC NDP, October 13, 2026)
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