Well-earned recognition for two local individuals and their team!
Victoria’s Devon Black and Teale Phelps Bondaroff, the dynamic duo behind the AccessBC Campaign, have been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation medals.
This incredible award recognizes their tireless efforts in advocating for free prescription contraception and reproductive justice—which has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of British Columbians and continues to ripple across Canada.
“I was happy to recognize Teale and Devon from AccessBC with King Charles III Coronation medals today in recognition of their amazing work to provide free contraception here in BC and helping to expand this achievement Canada wide.” Laurel Collins, Member of Parliament for Victoria.
It all began in 2017 when Black and Phelps Bondaroff, fueled by a passion for social justice, founded the AccessBC Campaign.
What started as a conversation around a kitchen table quickly transformed into a powerful grassroots movement with over 80 volunteers across the province, all united by a shared goal: to make prescription contraception universally accessible and free of charge.
In April of 2023, BC became the first province in Canada to offer free prescription contraception to all residents, including birth control pills to IUDs, implants, and emergency contraception.
But Black and Phelps Bondaroff didn’t stop with BC. They have worked relentlessly to build a national movement for free prescription contraception, with campaigns now active in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Their work has already led to commitments from three provinces: BC (2023), Manitoba (2024), and Prince Edward Island (2025).
“In British Columbia we’ve seen how impactful free contraception has been, with more than 250,000 people able to access this basic healthcare since the policy was implemented,” said Black, co-founder and national liaison of AccessBC.
“On behalf of everyone who helped make our campaign successful, we’re grateful for this recognition of AccessBC’s work. We look forward to continuing our advocacy to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in BC and across Canada.”
Phelps Bondaroff, who serves as the chair of AccessBC in addition to his work as a District of Saanich councillor, echoed those sentiments and reflected on the campaign’s humble beginnings.
“I am very proud of what our small grassroots campaign has been able to achieve, and honoured to receive this award. It’s hard to believe that a kitchen table conversation between friends could lead to a successful province-wide campaign, and now a national movement for free prescription contraception,” said Phelps Bondaroff, the chair and co-founder of AccessBC.
“This award belongs to all the volunteers on the AccessBC campaign, whose dedication made free prescription contraception a reality in BC. Their hard work and passion made all the difference and I am grateful to have worked alongside such an inspiring group of people.”
In a world where reproductive rights are under increasing threat, Phelps Bondaroff remains steadfast in the fight for justice.
“I am proud that BC continues to be a beacon of hope for reproductive justice,” added Phelps Bondaroff.
“There is still more work to be done, and we will continue to fight to remove barriers and expand reproductive freedom here in BC and across the country.”
And with their King Charles III Coronation medals now a shining symbol of their hard work and passion, there’s no doubt that their campaign will continue to pave the way for a future where reproductive justice is accessible to all.
