Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists, dentists, and old-age care providers.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Joint Statement on World Tuberculosis Day

On World Tuberculosis Day, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Indigenous Services Canada released a joint statement emphasizing the ongoing challenges and efforts in combating tuberculosis, particularly among Indigenous populations. The statement outlines commitments to improve disease prevention, access to care, and health equity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Exemption Order for Natural Health Products Labelling

Health Canada issued an exemption order regarding labeling requirements for certain natural health products. This order allows new products to follow existing labeling rules but may require relabeling by 2028. The move aims to address concerns over readability and information accessibility on product labels, impacting consumer safety and industry compliance.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Survey of Oral Health Care Providers

A recent StatsCan survey reveals that 96% of oral health care practices are accepting new patients, with similar wait times for new and existing patients ranging from one week to a month. Additionally, nearly one-third of providers plan to expand operations, indicating growth potential in the sector.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Supplementary Rules for NHPs Containing Ephedrine

Health Canada established rules limiting the sale of natural health products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to pharmacy settings, aiming to mitigate health risks from misuse.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities Revenue Growth

Canadian nursing and residential care facilities saw a revenue increase of 7.6% in 2023, driven by rising demand among the aging population.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan Health Human Resources Action Plan

Saskatchewan invests $156.1 million in its Health Human Resources Action Plan, focusing on recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare professionals.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta's Primary Care Compensation Model

Alberta's new compensation model for primary care physicians launches April 1, with 789 family doctors enrolled, enhancing patient-focused care.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba's Victoria Hospital Emergency Department Plans

Manitoba invites public feedback on Victoria Hospital's new emergency department design via an upcoming town hall and online survey.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Launch of CARES Network in Quebec

Quebec's CARES network focuses on health services for rural and remote regions, aiming to improve healthcare delivery and prevent illnesses.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario's Peel Memorial Hospital Expansion

Ontario breaks ground on Peel Memorial Hospital expansion, enhancing services with a new emergency department and more inpatient beds.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Complex-Care Homes in Kamloops

BC plans to establish 20 new complex-care homes in Kamloops, providing comprehensive support for residents facing mental health and substance-use challenges.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Expanding Urgent Care in Alberta

Alberta allocates $17 million to develop urgent care facilities, aiming to redirect non-life-threatening emergency visits and improve care access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta's Investment in Seniors' Mobility

Alberta invests $3.5 million to expand transportation services for seniors in rural areas, enhancing independence and community engagement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario's New Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Hub

Ontario announces a new HART Hub in Oshawa, part of a $550 million initiative to support mental health and addiction recovery services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Quebec's Budget Focus on Health and Education

Quebec allocates $6.8 billion over six years in Budget 2025-2026 to enhance health, social services, and education accessibility.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Alberta's Hands-On Learning Investments

Alberta's Budget 2025 proposes over $100 million for career education programs, fostering skills development in trades and health care.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Scientific Breakthrough in Radiation Therapy

INRS achieves a breakthrough in radiation therapy using lasers, promising advancements in cancer treatment with easier hospital implementation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Canadian Dental Care Plan Expansion

MP Majid Jowhari announced the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which will now cover eligible residents aged 18-64, potentially reaching 9 million Canadians. This development promises more comprehensive oral health care access across communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Joanne Thompson on Healthcare Initiatives

MP Joanne Thompson highlights the government's commitment to maintaining $10/day childcare and dental care for seniors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Dan Albas Advocates for Healthcare System

MP Dan Albas emphasizes the growing senior population's need for a robust healthcare system in his constituency.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Paul Chiang on Dental Care Plan Expansion

MP Paul Chiang celebrates the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover residents aged 18-64.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Kamal Khera Praises Healthcare Investments

MP Kamal Khera expresses pride in government investments to reduce wait times and increase healthcare professionals.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Terry Duguid on Active Living for Seniors

MP Terry Duguid attends an event promoting active living for seniors, highlighting community engagement and health benefits.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Empowering health-care professionals: Addressing systemic challenges in healthcare.
• Excel Nursing Services: Specialized home health care continues to exceed expectations.
• How to improve health care: Experts weigh in on improving Canada's healthcare system.
• Horizon Health Network: How Horizon puts people first in healthcare.
• Bringing visionary thinking to healthcare: Innovative approaches in healthcare management.