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.

Dates: 2025-06-08 to 2025-06-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Disability Benefit Applications to Open June 20, First Payments in July

The Government of Canada has announced that applications for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will open on June 20, 2025. The CDB, established by the Canada Disability Benefit Act and supported by $6.1 billion over six years from Budget 2024, is designed to provide up to $200 per month to low-income persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. Eligibility requires approval for the Disability Tax Credit and the filing of 2024 income tax returns by both the applicant and, if applicable, their spouse or common-law partner. The benefit is administered by Service Canada, and applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person. Letters will be sent to eligible individuals, and community organizations across the country will offer navigation support. The first payments are scheduled for July 2025 for applications approved by the end of June. The benefit aims to supplement existing supports and bridge the gap between the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security. Over 600,000 Canadians are expected to benefit from this initiative.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

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External Expert Review on Preventive Health Care Guidelines Released

Minister Marjorie Michel has welcomed the release of an external expert review report on the modernization of preventive health care guideline development in Canada. The report, commissioned by the Public Health Agency of Canada, addresses the processes involved in updating and developing evidence-based preventive health care guidelines. While the content of the review has not been detailed in the announcement, the findings are expected to inform future approaches to guideline development across the health system.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Advances National Framework for Sickle Cell Disease

In Senate proceedings on June 12, Bill S-201, which seeks to create a national framework for addressing sickle cell disease, was discussed at second reading. The bill aims to improve coordination and support for Canadians affected by this condition, with particular attention to the needs of Black and racialized communities. The Senate also considered Bill S-202 on alcoholic beverage warning labels and Bill S-229 to protect Gatineau Park. Discussions covered a broad range of issues, including AI investment, mental health funding, and innovation barriers. The chamber agreed to move Bill C-202, which protects Canada's supply management system in trade negotiations, to third reading.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Survey on Disability Data: New Accessibility and Pay Equity Indicators

Statistics Canada has released updated tables from the Canadian Survey on Disability, featuring metrics on average and median disability pay ratios, barriers to accessibility experienced by persons with disabilities aged 15 and over, and levels of unmet needs for communication-related supports. The data is disaggregated by demographic characteristics, age group, gender, and severity. These tables provide granular insights into wage disparities and service barriers, supporting health sector planning and workforce equity analysis.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Announces $6.5 Million for Life Sciences Innovation Fund

Ontario is investing $6.5 million through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund to support 13 companies advancing medical technologies, including AI-driven diagnostics, clinical trial software, and RNA-based therapies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Expands Access to Fertility Treatments and Tax Credit

Ontario is expanding in vitro fertilization services under the Ontario Fertility Program and introducing a new refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible fertility expenses, with applications open to all provincial fertility clinics.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Launches Mobile MRI Service in Northern Communities

Manitoba has launched a mobile MRI unit serving Thompson General Hospital and, later this year, The Pas, improving diagnostic access for northern patients and reducing the need for travel to Winnipeg.

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

New Brunswick Expands Nursing Home Without Walls Program

Villa Chaleur in Bathurst is joining New Brunswick’s Nursing Home Without Walls program, offering in-person support, wellness check-ins, caregiver assistance, and transportation services to local seniors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Yasir Naqvi acknowledged frontline healthcare workers at Bruyère Health for collaborating with innovators to address real-world challenges in the healthcare system.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Michelle Rempel Garner referenced the importance of readily available access to quality health care in a social media discussion.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Amina Gerba spoke in the Senate at second reading to support Bill S-201, which aims to establish a national framework for sickle cell disease.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Judy Sgro thanked staff, volunteers, and families involved in long-term care homes across Canada in recognition of National Long-Term Care Day.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda attended a ceremony honoring Dr. Rolando Del Maestro for his contributions to neuro-oncology and Canadian medicine.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘This is great news’: doctors applaud move to modernize cancer screening guidelines: Doctors comment on reforms to cancer screening guidelines.
• Eye contact and earlier diagnosis: How AI is transforming front-line health care in B.C.: AI is enabling earlier diagnosis and improved patient interaction in British Columbia.
• From Scrubs to Coats: Zenir Introduces New White Lab Coat Collection for Healthcare Professionals: Zenir launches a lab coat collection aimed at healthcare professionals.
• Top RFK Jr. aide attacks US health system while running company that promotes wellness alternatives: RFK Jr. campaign aide discusses shortcomings in US health system.