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: 2025-06-22 to 2025-06-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Renews $675 Million Commitment to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance

On June 25, 2025, Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai reaffirmed Canada’s ongoing support for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, during the organization’s pledging conference in Brussels. This five-year, $675 million commitment (2026–2030) aims to facilitate the immunization of at least 500 million additional children worldwide, with projected prevention of over 8 million deaths. Gavi’s scope includes the rollout of the new malaria vaccine and infrastructure improvements such as more than 20,000 solar-powered cold storage units. Secretary Sarai engaged with global health leaders, including WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNICEF’s Catherine Russell, focusing on sustained global collaboration and vaccine accessibility. The pledge is positioned to boost health system capacity in partner countries and is part of Canada’s stated approach to international health security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Federal Investment Targets AI-Driven Health Care Innovation

Minister Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, announced a $3.5 million investment via FedDev Ontario for the Vector Institute’s HealthSpark accelerator during Toronto Tech Week. HealthSpark is designed to fast-track AI innovation in Canadian health care by providing scaleups and startups with technical resources, mentorship, and access to a secure health AI network. Solutions under development include improved cancer care, equitable access to liver transplants, and efforts to address staffing shortages and wait times. The initiative is positioned to support commercialization, job creation, and sector-wide adoption of advanced AI tools.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government to Announce Support for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Health Care Solutions

Ahead of an event at Toronto's Vector Institute on June 25, Minister Evan Solomon signaled federal plans to back AI-based health care projects. Further details about direct investments and recipient organizations were set to be disclosed at the event. A media availability was offered following the announcement, with federal representatives expected to detail implications for the health care and technology sectors in Southern Ontario.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statement Released on National Substance-Related Harms

The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health and Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners issued a statement through the Public Health Agency of Canada addressing the latest national data on substance-related harms. While the specific data were not detailed in the initial release, the statement comes amid ongoing policy attention to overdose and substance use trends, informing public health and clinical responses across Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Opens Consultation on Precursor Chemical Oversight

On June 27, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel launched a 45-day public consultation regarding proposed regulatory changes to increase oversight of precursor chemicals and devices often used in illicit drug production, including pill presses. The consultation, running until August 12, 2025, is particularly relevant to industries and pharmacies using such substances and equipment for legitimate use. Proposed changes would expand regulatory controls, aiming to support law enforcement and border enforcement in restricting illegal importation and distribution.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Mother-Centric Data Linkages Update

Statistics Canada’s third update to the mother-centric data linkages is now available at the Federal Research Data Centre. The dataset links maternal socio-economic context to child outcomes, incorporating birth, hospitalization, and mortality records. This resource expands research opportunities in maternal and child health, potentially informing policy and targeted interventions.

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

Canadian Drug and Substance Watch Dashboard Updated with 2023 Wastewater Data

Statistics Canada has updated the Canadian Drug and Substance Watch dashboard with new data from wastewater samples collected in 2023. The information, published in partnership with Health Canada, documents the presence of new and emerging psychoactive substances in Canadian cities and supports ongoing surveillance efforts in substance use monitoring.

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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Sets Hearing on Medical Device Tariff Classification

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a public hearing on July 29, 2025 to consider the tariff classification of bed frames, specifically examining whether certain products qualify as mechano-therapy appliances or therapeutic aids under tariff item 9019.10.00. The outcome will determine if related products benefit from conditional duty relief as goods designed to alleviate disability effects.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Economic and Social Reports, June 2025 Released

Statistics Canada announced six new articles in the June 2025 Economic and Social Reports, offering analyses pertinent to health system trends. The reports are available through the agency’s main portal; further details are provided in each standalone article.

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

Study: Services Industries Experience Easing Revenue Growth in 2024

Statistics Canada published a study indicating that all 12 major services industries experienced slower revenue growth in 2024, with one sector showing an outright decline compared to 2023. Health sector participants may note implications on service demand, budgets, and broader sectoral performance amid tightening economic conditions.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Investing $235 Million to Connect 300,000 Residents with Primary Care

Ontario has committed $235 million to launch more than 130 new and expanded primary care teams, aiming to attach 300,000 previously unattached residents to a family doctor or primary care team this year.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC Begins Construction on New Operating Rooms at Vancouver General Hospital

Phase 2 construction has started at Vancouver General Hospital for 15 new operating rooms and an upgraded hybrid OR, intended to increase annual surgeries from 16,800 to more than 19,000.

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

BC to Open New Brain-Injury Supportive Living Home in Central Saanich

A 26-bed supportive living home focused on rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injuries is set to open in Central Saanich, offering both short-term and long-term care options.

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

Manitoba Opens Nominations for 2025 Healthy Aging Awards

The Manitoba government is accepting nominations for the 2025 Manitoba Healthy Aging Awards, recognizing contributions to senior health and community well-being.

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

Saskatchewan Healthy Beaches Water Quality Program Returns for Summer

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health has resumed publishing water quality results for provincial recreational beaches, supporting public health monitoring during the summer months.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Randeep Sarai met with Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, in Brussels to discuss strengthening global health systems and ensuring vaccine access.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Randeep Sarai stated on social media Canada’s ongoing partnership with the Global Fund, focusing on HIV, TB, and malaria, and discussed collaboration for advancing global vaccine distribution.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Aslam Rana commended Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare, calling them community pillars supporting local health care.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher commented on the prevalence of pseudoscience and conspiracy theories in health administration in the US.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Doug Eyolfson responded to questions on primary care, noting that available resources vary by province and that information can be accessed through clinics.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• The Globe and Mail: League growing rapidly as digital health care company seeks to raise US$100-million: Toronto-based digital health company League pursues major fundraising for growth.
• The Star: Global Healthcare Technology Leader Selects Kneat: Kneat chosen by global healthcare firm for digital validation and compliance solutions.
• The Globe and Mail: MHCare demands AHS investigation results: MHCare seeks outcome details from Alberta Health Services investigation.
• The Globe and Mail: Ontario investigating alleged data breach involving 200,000 home care patients: Ontario is conducting an investigation into a reported home care patient data breach.