The provincial government has awarded a $122,000 contract for a review of IVF services across the province.

Thinkwell Research will provide government with recommendations on ways to enhance fertility services, including access to IVF.

The contract requires the company to complete an analysis of the projected demand for existing and additional fertility services, do consultations, review best practices across the country, and recommend opportunities for improvements and provide advice on implementation.

The Department of Health and Community Services expects the report in the winter of 2024.

Opposition parties and advocates have long called for improved access to fertility treatment, and the addition of IVF clinics, across the province.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says he’s keeping an open mind to what will come from the report.

He says they’ve had officials tell them that the province doesn’t have the population to support IVF services, while specialists were saying the opposite. Osborne says the RFP will provide answers to what services the province should have and what they can support.