Breaking Barriers: Advocacy for Inclusive Parental Leave and Fertility Care with Zane Colt Artwork

Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada

The journey to parenthood is one filled with hope, heartache, and unexpected twists and turns - and for those experiencing fertility struggles, the road can be an emotional rollercoaster. Fertility Matters Canada is proud to present a new podcast that explores the complex and often emotional journey of fertility. Hosted by Carolynn Dubé, Executive Director of Fertility Matters Canada, our show features informative interviews with leading fertility specialists and heartfelt stories from real people who have experienced the highs and lows of trying to conceive. Whether you're facing fertility challenges yourself or simply interested in learning more about this important and often misunderstood aspect of reproductive health, Fertility in Focus provides a safe and supportive space for listeners to engage, reflect, and be inspired. Join us as we bring Fertility in Focus.

All Episodes

Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada

Breaking Barriers: Advocacy for Inclusive Parental Leave and Fertility Care with Zane Colt

February 13, 2024 • Carolynn Dubé • Season 1 • Episode 41

Send us a text

Join us for an informative episode of Fertility in Focus as we sit with Zane Colt, the 2023 Fertility Matters Canada Advocacy Award Winner from Toronto. Zane, a former political professional turned government relations consultant for healthcare organizations, shares his family’s path to parenthood as intended parents using surrogacy and how that journey bolstered their experience into a thriving online community. Zane played a pivotal role in advocating for parental leave inclusion for adoptive and intended parents in Canadian legislation under Bill C-318. Discover how Zane and his wife are driving inclusivity in government, engaging listeners in political discussions, and addressing fertility care barriers at both the provincial and federal levels. Don't miss the insightful discussion to learn how you, too, can lean into advocacy and help to foster change!

More About our Guest Speaker

Zane Colt is a passionate relationship-builder deeply immersed in political outreach and fertility advocacy. Currently, Zane holds a significant role in government relations for one of Canada's largest healthcare organizations, leveraging his extensive background from years spent at Queen's Park. In 2021, Zane, alongside his wife Baden, initiated the blog "Not My Tummy (But I'm Still Mummy!)" to document their journey in building a family through gestational surrogacy.

Zane's commitment to fertility advocacy extends to his role as a board member of Conceivable Dreams, Ontario's prominent voice for fertility care. With a bachelor's degree from Carleton University's Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs and a master's in Global Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK, Zane brings a wealth of knowledge to his advocacy work.

Residing in Toronto with his wife, daughter Scottie, and their dog Dodi, Zane invites you to connect and follow their journey on Instagram @notmytummy. Join the conversation as Zane continues championing fertility support and navigating the intricate intersections of politics and family-building.

First Response Canada

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the availability of EndomiR, the first validated diagnostic blood test for endometriosis. Afynia is currently offering EndomiR to Canadian fertility clinics for patients with unexplained infertility and/or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. EndomiR shortens the diagnostic pathway by providing physicians with actionable data to inform safe and effective treatment options.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.