BILL NO. 213
(as introduced)
1st Session, 65th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
4 Charles III, 2026
Private Member's Public Bill
Women's Health Strategy Act
The Honourable Iain Rankin
Timberlea–Prospect
First Reading: February 27, 2026
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
An Act Respecting
a Women's Health Strategy
Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:
1 This Act may be cited as the Women's Health Strategy Act.
2 The purpose of this Act is to
(a) establish a comprehensive, evidence-based and coordinated Provincial strategy to improve health outcomes for women in the Province across the life course;
(b) reduce systemic disparities in women's health; and
(c) support innovation, research and economic growth in women's health.
"agency" has the same meaning as in the Ombudsman Act;
"department" means a department of the Government;
"Department" means the Department of Health and Wellness;
"Minister" means the Minister of Health and Wellness;
"Strategy" means the Provincial Women's Health Strategy established under this Act.
4 (1) Within 12 months of the coming into force of this Act, the Minister shall develop and publish a Provincial Women's Health Strategy.
(a) identify priority areas for Provincial investment, including
- (i) reproductive and sexual health,
(ii) cardiovascular and chronic disease,
(iv) menopause and mid-life health,
(b) address disparities in access to health care across geographic regions, including rural and underserved communities in the Province;
(c) incorporate culturally appropriate health care for diverse populations, including Indigenous and equity-deserving groups;
(d) promote prevention, early intervention and patient education;
(e) include measurable goals, timelines and performance indicators; and
(f) align with national and interprovincial initiatives if appropriate.
(3) The strategy must include targets to improve the proportion and scope of women's health research conducted in the Province.
5 (1) The Minister shall establish a Women's Health Advisory Council.
(2) The Council must include representatives from
(b) academic and research institutions;
(e) patients and individuals with lived experiences; and
(f) the innovation and health technology sector.
(a) advise the Minister on the development and implementation of the Strategy;
(b) promote coordination across sectors; and
(c) identify emerging priorities in women's health.
6 (1) The Minister shall appoint a Provincial Women's Health Lead.
(a) oversee implementation of the Strategy;
(b) coordinate across departments and agencies;
(c) engage stakeholders and partners; and
(d) report annually to the Minister.
7 The Minister shall work with relevant partners to
(a) increase the availability and use of sex and gender disaggregated health data;
(b) support research addressing gaps in women's health care; and
(c) promote inclusion of women in clinical studies.
8 The Minister shall collaborate with educational institutions and professional organizations to
(a) enhance women's health content in medical and health professional training;
(b) improve provider awareness of sex- and gender-specific health differences; and
(c) support continuing education in women's health.
9 The Minister shall work with relevant departments and partners to support innovation in women's health care, including
(a) fostering partnerships with health technology and health research organizations;
(b) supporting the development and adoption of new technologies and health care models; and
(c) promoting the Province as a leader in women's health innovation.
10 (1) Within 18 months of the coming into force of this Act, the Minister shall establish a multi-year Women's Health Investment Plan.
(a) identify funding priorities aligned with the Strategy;
(b) include mechanisms for evaluation and reporting; and
(c) assess economic and health outcomes resulting from investments.
11 (1) The Minister shall table an annual report in the House of Assembly on the implementation of the Strategy.
(a) progress toward targets and outcomes;
(b) updates on investments and initiatives; and
(c) an assessment of impacts on health outcomes and system performance.
12 (1) The Minister shall conduct a review of this Act and the Strategy every five years.
(2) A report on each review must be tabled in the House of Assembly.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2026 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created February 27, 2026. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
