MPP Gates: This Movember it’s time to fully cover prostate cancer PSA testing

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) demanded Ford finally take action and pass Gates’s bill to extend OHIP coverage for Prostate Antigen Testing (PSA) – an important tool for early detection of prostate cancer.

“Today is the first day of Movember, where people across the world raise awareness of health issues affecting men, including prostate cancer,” said Gates. “We know that early prevention and detection of prostate cancer saves lives, yet this government refuses to make this critical tool more available and accessible. Why?”

In November 2022, Gates tabled a private member’s motion to extend OHIP coverage for PSA testing when prescribed by a doctor—this motion was also previously tabled in 2019 and 2020. The latest version of this motion was voted down by the Conservative government.

“We have an opportunity to take action, save lives, and use a common sense solution right now that would protect our fathers, brothers, friends, and loved ones from one of the most common cancers in those with prostates,” said Gates. “Ontario should be leading the way in healthcare services, but right now we lag far behind the rest of the country. This Movember, let’s take action together”.

Eight provinces and three territories in Canada currently cover this life-saving diagnostic test. With Gates’ motion, Ontario could immediately do the same.