Before the price increase, young Canadians were already skipping condoms. Now the math gets harder.

Let's Stop AIDS surveys young people across Canada every year. The numbers from the most recent Sex Lives Report are not what most people expect: roughly half of sexually active youth did not use a condom the last time they had sex, and more than half have never been tested for HIV or an STI. HIV rates are rising, with the prairies and Manitoba seeing some of the sharpest increases.

Alex MacLeod points to a system with real gaps. Free condoms are available in some community health centres and organizations, but rural access is limited and stigma keeps some people away. Sex education, MacLeod notes, keeps coming up in surveys as something young people say did not prepare them for actual decisions they face in real life.

Topics: condom prices Canada, youth sexual health, HIV prevention Canada, free condoms access, sex education gaps

GUEST: Alex MacLeod | http://LetsStopAIDS.org

Originally aired on 2026-06-01

Before the price increase, young Canadians were already skipping condoms. Now the math gets harder.
Let's Stop AIDS surveys young people across Canada every year. The numbers from the most recent Sex Lives Report are not what most people expect: roughly half of sexually active youth did not use a condom the last time they had sex, and more than half have never been tested for HIV or an STI. HIV rates are rising, with the prairies and Manitoba seeing some of the sharpest increases.
Alex MacLeod points to a system with real gaps. Free condoms are available in some community health centres and organizations, but rural access is limited and stigma keeps some people away. Sex education, MacLeod notes, keeps coming up in surveys as something young people say did not prepare them for actual decisions they face in real life.
Topics: condom prices Canada, youth sexual health, HIV prevention Canada, free condoms access, sex education gaps
GUEST: Alex MacLeod |<a href="http://letsstopaids.org"> http://LetsStopAIDS.org</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-01

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.