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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Healthcare channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in BioPharma.

Dates: 2025-07-13 to 2025-07-19

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Government Publishes Chemicals Management Plan Under Strengthened CEPA

On July 19, the federal government published its Plan of Priorities under the recently modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA, S.C. 2023, c. 12). The plan, required by law within two years of Bill S-5’s royal assent, details upcoming priorities for managing substances in Canada to protect human health and the environment. The Plan builds on the Chemicals Management Plan's established processes, setting out substances for priority assessment, initiatives for risk control, and promotion of alternative methods to replace, reduce, or refine vertebrate animal testing. The processes outlined include annual reporting, ongoing review, and prioritization of substances based on emerging risks, scientific evidence, and regulatory needs. The government commits to transparency and Indigenous participation in chemicals management, as provided for under CEPA, supporting related United Nations obligations. The approach incorporates a weight-of-evidence and precautionary principle, explicitly considering vulnerable populations and cumulative exposure risks.

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

Federal Framework on the Right to a Healthy Environment Released

The implementation framework for the right to a healthy environment, under the strengthened CEPA, was published in the CEPA Registry on July 19. The framework follows consultations launched in October 2024 and lays out how the right to a healthy environment will be integrated into the administration of the Act. The framework, developed by the Minister of Environment and Minister of Health, is available on the Government of Canada website. It signals continued development of regulatory and policy protocols to ensure that this right is considered across federal chemicals and environmental policy decision-making.

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

Dr. Rae Yeung Appointed Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

On July 14, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced Dr. Rae Yeung as the incoming Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), beginning October 1, 2025. Dr. Yeung is recognized internationally for research on childhood inflammatory diseases and has contributed to precision medicine approaches in childhood arthritis and rheumatic conditions. Her work, including leadership of the Understanding Childhood Arthritis Network, involves large-scale translational research and development of guidance for diagnosis and management. The CIHR-IMHA will now be located at SickKids in Toronto. The appointment is expected to bring focus to both national and international collaborations in research, diagnostics, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Increase in Canada Child Benefit for 2025-26 and Updates on National School Food and Dental Care Plans

On July 18, the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), announced that Canada Child Benefit rates have risen for the 2025–26 period, with eligible families now able to receive up to $7,997 per child under age 6 and $6,748 per child ages 6-17, marking a $200 increase from the previous rates. The announcement also provided updates on the expansion of the National School Food Program, supported by a $1 billion five-year investment, and development of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, designed to broaden access to dental services. According to the release, these measures are positioned alongside investments in affordable child care, housing, and health care to address costs faced by Canadian families.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Expands Saskatchewan Drug Treatment Courts

On July 18, the federal government, through the Department of Justice, provided up to $850,000 annually to support Saskatchewan’s drug treatment court (DTC) system, facilitating the recent opening of the Battlefords DTC. Existing DTCs in Regina and Moose Jaw have also been expanded. Funded through Justice Canada’s Drug Treatment Court Funding Program, these courts operate as alternatives to traditional criminal proceedings for eligible offenders whose crimes are tied to substance use, offering treatment in place of prosecution. The federal approach seeks to address the cycle of addiction in connection with health and justice systems in Saskatchewan.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Announcement on Substance Use and Overdose Crisis Response in Atlantic Canada Forthcoming

Health Canada announced on July 18 that it would soon provide additional details on new measures aimed at addressing the substance use and overdose crisis in the Atlantic Region. The media advisory signals an imminent update or policy development, with Health Minister Marjorie Michel scheduled to make a statement.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Highlights Ongoing Shift Toward Aging in Place Among Seniors

Statistics Canada's July 2025 Health Reports indicate a growing preference among older Canadians to remain living independently, even as age-related needs for assistance with activities of daily living increase. The data note that limited long-term care capacity and higher costs are contributing to increased demand for programs supporting aging in the home and within communities.

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

StatsCan Releases Urban Ecosystem Health Linkages Report

The Census of Environment report published July 14 describes the role of urban ecosystems, outlining how green and blue spaces within densely populated areas contribute essential services such as climate regulation and opportunities for outdoor recreation, supporting the health of urban residents and workers.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Introduces Provincial Regulation of Health Care Aides

Starting February 2, 2026, Alberta will require health care aides to register with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta, establishing educational, competence, and ethical standards for the province's 40,000 health care aides.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Expands Pharmacist Services to Additional Minor Ailments

Pharmacists in New Brunswick are now publicly funded to assess and prescribe for seasonal allergies, thrush, and certain skin fungal infections, increasing pharmacists' role in primary care and supporting system capacity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

BC Fast-Tracks International Doctor Recruitment

British Columbia reports nearly 780 job applications from health professionals in the U.S. since launching a targeted recruitment campaign in May, with recent regulatory changes easing full licensure for U.S.- and international-trained doctors.

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

Ontario Breaks Ground on New Long-Term Care Home in Exeter

Construction is underway on a new 160-bed long-term care home in Exeter, Ontario, with occupancy expected in 2026 as part of the province's commitment to expand and modernize long-term care infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Expands Family Medicine Training in Westman Region

The Manitoba government will fund 10 additional medical training seats in Brandon, raising the regional total to 20 and supporting renovations to academic facilities to foster local physician development.

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

Government Consultations

Federal Engagement on Risk Assessment for Gene Edited Pigs

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada are collecting public and stakeholder input on four lines of gene-edited pigs, aiming to update the federal chemicals management program; input is accepted until July 20.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Half of requests for complex dental work are being rejected under national insurance plan: CBC examines approval rates and implementation issues as the federal dental care program expands.
• 'Keep the doors open': As ERs close, doctor speaks out on the challenges of practising in rural Sask.: CBC interviews a Saskatchewan ER doctor about facility closures and staffing pressures in rural care.
• Virtual eksoUniversity to Support Continuing Education of PTs and PTAs Across the Country: GlobeNewswire covers a new virtual initiative for physiotherapist education in Canada.
• Planned Parenthood seeks to keep Medicaid funds flowing during legal fight: The Star reports on Planned Parenthood’s court challenge to preserve Medicaid funding in the U.S.
• First Patient Enrolled in National Cancer Institute’s Vanguard Study Evaluating Guardant Health’s Shield Multi-Cancer Detection Test: Business Wire covers a new study evaluating multi-cancer blood testing.
• Complex care doctor says hundreds are underserved on Saanich Peninsula: CTV reports on physician shortages impacting complex care on Vancouver Island.
• Lessons from the Spanish flu: Why we must keep talking about the COVID-19 pandemic: The Globe and Mail examines long-term pandemic response and workforce morale.
• Provincial funding means sustainability for Windsor physicians in shelters program: CBC showcases ongoing funding to support physician services in Windsor-area shelters.
• Protest as President Milei's dramatic health care cuts threaten leading Argentine pediatric ...: National Post video covers impacts of health care budget cuts in Argentina.
• MAiD: One woman’s legal challenge to get the care she hopes for: The Star profiles a legal case surrounding access to care and medical assistance in dying.

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