Cervical cancer screening in Canada is changing. Instead of relying only on the Pap test, more provinces and territories are moving to testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. In some places, people can now collect the sample themselves with a simple swab, in private, without a pelvic exam.
But the rollout is uneven. Where you live decides which test you can get, how you get it and how often you need it. Here is a province-by-province look at where things stood as of February 2026, the most recent national snapshot published by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). Programs are changing quickly, so check your provincial program before you book.
The big picture
According to CPAC, six jurisdictions had put HPV testing in place across their territory in full or in part: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and, with a launch planned for spring 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador. Most of the rest were still in planning. Where HPV primary screening is in place, CPAC says eligible people aged 25 to 69 are generally tested once every five years.
West and North
British Columbia
BC has the most developed self-screening program. People who are due for screening receive a letter and can order a free kit by phone at 1-877-702-6566 or online through BC Cancer. Mailing the sample back is also free. The BC government says results come back in four to six weeks, and that the new test lets the usual screening interval stretch from three years to five.
Alberta
Alberta began HPV primary screening in November 2025 for people aged 50 to 69. CPAC reports that a self-sampling pilot finished recruitment in December 2025 and that the province is planning to extend HPV testing to other age groups and to roll out self-sampling.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is planning its move to HPV testing, with a rollout targeted for 2026. For now HPV testing is used to follow up certain unclear Pap results. Self-sampling is part of the planning, and software updates were under way.
Manitoba
Manitoba has used HPV testing to follow up certain unclear Pap results since February 2022. Self-sampling is planned, but CPAC lists the province as still in the planning stage for full HPV screening.
Yukon
Yukon uses HPV testing after treatment and is working toward home self-sampling. Screening is available through primary care providers.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories completed its shift to HPV primary self-sample screening in April 2025, and a pilot project is mailing self-screening kits to residents.
Nunavut
Nunavut does not yet offer HPV primary screening. CPAC says it is developing guidelines and planning a pilot.
Central Canada
Ontario
Ontario started offering self-collected HPV testing in March 2025 through a small number of primary care clinics, with a phased expansion. CPAC notes that Ontario reports HPV types 16, 18/45 and other high-risk types. Ask your health care provider whether your clinic offers self-collection.
Quebec
Quebec has no organized, formally funded HPV screening program yet, according to CPAC, though 13 of 18 regions were using HPV testing on an opportunistic basis. Quebec’s health institute, INESSS, published recommendations on self-sampling in May 2024.
Atlantic Canada
Prince Edward Island
PEI has had jurisdiction-wide HPV screening since May 2023. Health PEI says screening is for people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 who are or have been sexually active, with testing every five years after a negative HPV result. Patients can collect their own vaginal sample with a dry swab at clinics. A broader rollout of take-home kits is planned after a 2026 guideline review.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick plans a phased move to HPV testing and self-sampling beginning in 2026, and was developing the technology and clinical guidelines to support it.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has announced plans for at-home HPV kits, but CPAC lists the province as awaiting approval of its implementation plan and funding. Colposcopy clinics already use HPV testing.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador planned a phased transition to HPV primary screening in spring 2026, with self-sampling still under development.
What you can do now
- Check when you were last screened. If you are not sure, ask your family doctor, nurse practitioner or local screening program.
- If you live in BC, order a kit when your letter arrives.
- If you are in Ontario or PEI, ask your clinic whether self-collection is offered.
- Do not wait for a kit if you are overdue. A regular Pap or HPV test taken at a clinic is still an effective way to screen.
Anyone who gets an abnormal result should know that it does not mean cancer. It means follow-up is needed, and a health care provider can explain the next step.
This article is based on official guidance from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, the Government of British Columbia and Health PEI and is provided for general public information. It’s not a substitute for medical advice, if you have questions about how this applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Sources: Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, HPV testing by jurisdiction (data current to February 2026); Government of British Columbia; Health PEI.
