Public IVF funding and employer trends could reshape how Canadian benefit plans support families
The Liberal Party has pledged to cover up to $20,000 per round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) if re-elected, a measure aimed at helping “Canadians who face a costly journey to parenthood,” according to iPolitics.
The proposal, estimated to cost $400m over four years, includes a commitment to work with provinces and territories to ensure broad access to the program.
The proposal follows similar steps by provinces.
According to BC Medical Journal, British Columbia will begin funding one cycle of IVF including medications as of April 2025.
In Ontario, the provincial government announced a proposed tax credit starting January 2025 that would cover 25 percent of eligible fertility expenses up to $5,000 annually, as per FordMPP.ca.
As public programs evolve, some employers have already begun adjusting their own offerings.
According to Global News, Bank of Montreal now covers up to $20,000 in fertility treatments, including surrogacy and adoption supports.
Manulife has also updated its group benefit plans to include fertility coverage at Canadian clinics.
Federally, the Medical Expense Tax Credit already allows Canadians to claim a wide range of fertility-related costs, including IVF, egg freezing, and embryo transfers, according to How We Became a Family.
The federal government is also introducing an additional 16-week unpaid leave for adoptive and intended parents, expected to take effect by December 2025.
For plan sponsors, these changes highlight the growing importance of comprehensive fertility coverage.
A 2023 survey reported by Benefits and Pensions Monitor found that more than 80 percent of 504 employers now include healthcare benefits, with fertility and family planning becoming a key component of employee wellness and retention strategies.
As these federal and provincial initiatives move forward, plan sponsors may consider aligning their benefit plans with public policy developments to remain competitive and responsive to evolving employee needs.
