Good morning! This is 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.

Looking to elevate your organization's presence or streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals: faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach us at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.

Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Competition Bureau Investigates BWX Technologies’ Proposed Acquisition of Kinectrics

The Competition Bureau has obtained court orders to further its investigation into BWX Technologies’ proposed acquisition of Kinectrics, both significant operators in the nuclear medicine sector. The probe seeks to determine if the transaction would substantially lessen or prevent competition in Canada’s nuclear medicine industry, notably as the deal includes Kinectrics’ stake in Isogen, a producer of medical isotopes. The Federal Court of Canada has required Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation, and Framatome Canada to provide transaction records, sales data, and information on competitive dynamics. Supplementary information requests were also issued to BWX Technologies and Kinectrics. The transaction was first announced in January 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Remission Order Temporarily Removes US Surtax on Key Medical Imports

The United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), registered April 16, 2025 and published in the Canada Gazette on May 7, 2025, grants remission of US surtaxes on a range of goods imported by or on behalf of public health, health care, and emergency services entities. For the health sector, the remission specifically covers goods used in hospitals, clinics, labs, long-term care, as well as products necessary for blood, tissue, or organ services. The order applies to specialized infant formulas, medical nutrition products, compression garments, and sterile barrier films, among others, imported before October 16, 2025. Remission claims must be submitted within two years of importation. The regulatory impact analysis notes significant engagement from health sector stakeholders and the order aims to address input shortages and certification requirements faced by Canadian organizations.

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

Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada, and BC Sign Agreement on First Nations-led Child and Family Health Services

On May 9, 2025, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation signed a historic Coordination Agreement with the Government of Canada and British Columbia to advance First Nations-led child and family services, using the framework of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Canada will provide $35.2 million in the initial phase for prevention, governance, dispute resolution, and post-majority support services, while BC will contribute $766,222. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation enacted its own children and families law on April 1, 2025, establishing a new care model grounded in community values. The agreement sets out responsibilities and collaboration mechanisms for health and social service provision during the transition.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Statement on Red Dress Day 2025 and Support for Health Services

On May 5, 2025, Ministers Gary Anandasangaree, Patty Hajdu, and Steven Guilbeault issued a statement marking Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People. The government referenced the National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, citing recent initiatives such as the Red Dress Alert pilot in Manitoba and programs supporting health and cultural support for affected families. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Program continues to fund access to registered mental health counsellors and community-based health workers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Updated Provisional Death Counts

Statistics Canada published new and updated adjusted counts of deaths from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database, covering January 7, 2023, to March 1, 2025. The Provisional Deaths in Canada Dashboard, including interactive data visualization tools, has been updated to reflect these figures, providing current insight into national mortality trends.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Veterans Affairs Hosts Ceremony at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Veterans Affairs Canada held a wreath-laying ceremony on May 6, 2025, at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Cenotaph to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe, with participation from veterans, residents, and dignitaries.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Introduces More Convenient Care Act to Modernize Health System

Ontario has re-introduced the More Convenient Care Act, which includes a transparency framework for staffing agencies, modernization of electronic health records, and expanded scope for nurse practitioners in mandatory blood testing.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Proposes Primary Care Act, New Clinics in Underserved Communities

The Ontario government has tabled the Primary Care Act and announced up to $300 million for 17 new and expanded primary care teaching clinics, aiming to connect two million more people to primary care over four years.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Re-introduces Legislation to Support Seniors and Caregivers

Ontario announced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025, proposing new dementia care requirements, enhanced residents’ rights in long-term care, and $114 million in related investments.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Construction Begins on Long-Term Care Expansion in Parry Sound

Work has started on 22 new beds at Belvedere Heights long-term care home in Parry Sound, part of Ontario's plan to expand capacity with a focus on modern design and resident engagement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Sudbury Long-Term Care Home Expansion Underway

Hoivakoti Finlandia Nursing Home in Sudbury is adding 32 private rooms and an onsite training facility, with the new section expected to open in fall 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Issues Measles Exposure Alert in Winkler

Manitoba Health notified the public of measles exposure at the Real Canadian Superstore in Winkler on April 28. The public is advised to monitor symptoms and update immunizations as needed.

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

Ontario Schedules Media Availability on Long-Term Care in Sudbury

John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, will address media in Sudbury on May 10, 2025, regarding ongoing long-term care expansion.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Schedules Press Conference on Long-Term Care in Parry Sound

A media event in Parry Sound on May 9, 2025, will provide further information on long-term care expansion. Media registration is required.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests $5 Million in Community Emergency Preparedness

Ontario allocated $5 million for local emergency preparedness initiatives, supporting equipment purchases and infrastructure upgrades across 114 recipients.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Expands Skills Development Fund with $1 Billion for Worker Training

Ontario announced a nearly $1 billion expansion of the Skills Development Fund to train and reskill workers, including those in health care, in response to US tariffs and economic shifts.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Hedy Fry Cites Expansion of Canadian Dental Care Program

MP Hedy Fry stated that the federal government will expand the Canadian Dental Care Program to cover all Canadians, referencing the link between oral and general health.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Julie Dzerowicz Announces Dental Plan Coverage for Adults 18–64

MP Julie Dzerowicz reported the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan to adults aged 18–64, with information on how to apply provided online.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Sean Casey Shares Update on PEI Pharmacare Benefits

MP Sean Casey announced that Islanders can now access free birth control and diabetes medications through the new $30 million national pharmacare deal.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Patricia Lattanzio Shares Application Opening for Dental Care Plan (Ages 55-64)

MP Patricia Lattanzio noted that applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan are now open for eligible Canadians aged 55-64, providing bilingual information.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jean Yip Highlights Asian Community Collaboration on Mental Health

MP Jean Yip acknowledged collaboration between East and South Asian organizations promoting mental wellness during Mental Health Week and Asian Heritage Month.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Iqra Khalid Shares Crisis Helplines on Red Dress Day

MP Iqra Khalid posted information on 24/7 crisis support lines for families and survivors impacted by the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator René Cormier Addresses Mental Health Issues During Awareness Week

Senator René Cormier noted the rising impact of mental health issues, especially among youth, and shared resources for support during Mental Health Week.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kim Pate Advocates for Access to Mental Health Supports

Senator Kim Pate called for universally accessible, stigma-free mental health supports and services in her post on May 9, 2025.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Marilou McPhedran References Red Dress Alert Expansion

Senator Marilou McPhedran posted in support of expanding red dress alerts for missing Indigenous women, referencing their broader importance to Canadian society.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Family Matters: Mind Over Matters mental health team: Coverage of a mental health team’s work in supporting families.
• Ontario Nurses' Association marks Nursing Week: Ontario nurses raise concerns about public health care and staffing ratios.
• Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care Crisis: Examination of nurse practitioners’ role in addressing Ontario’s primary care challenges.
• Global News Hour at 6 BC: Segment covers issues relating to seniors, assisted living, and hospital care in BC.
• Global News Hour at 6 BC: Further reporting on transitions between assisted living and hospital settings for seniors.