Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug distribution and pricing, and the healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists that are making it all happen. 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: 2025-08-24 to 2025-08-30

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Government of Canada Announces $10 Million for Healthy Living Initiatives

On August 25, Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, announced more than $10 million in federal funding dedicated to enhancing healthy living programs across Canada. Allocations will go to organizations such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, McMaster University, Montréal – Métropole en santé, the Technology Evaluation in the Elderly Network (Canadian Frailty Network), University of Guelph, and Vivre Saint-Michel en santé. These recipients are tasked with developing and promoting resources that encourage Canadians to adopt healthy behaviours, such as physical activity, nutritious eating, and smoking avoidance. This strategic investment is positioned to provide new opportunities for health and wellness programming within community settings and advance initiatives aiming to prevent chronic disease.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Commitment to Youth Substance Use Prevention Projects

On August 29, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel announced $2.9 million in new funding for four Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) projects located in Alberta and Ontario. The funding follows an initial $3.1 million investment in June 2024 to adapt the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) for Canadian communities. Each project will receive up to $750,000 over three years to support tailored interventions designed to address local needs, focusing on evaluating and testing substance use prevention efforts. The IPM centers on community collaboration and environmental support strategies to deter youth substance use. These projects represent a continued federal role in supporting evidence-based approaches targeting substance use harm reduction among young people.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Community Projects Reducing Youth Substance Use Harms

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced support for multiple community-based initiatives intended to prevent and reduce substance use-related psychological and health harms among Canadian youth. The targeted funding assists organizations in implementing, adapting, and evaluating local responses to substance use, with strategic support for improving mental health and promoting community wellness. These measures contribute to the broader national effort to address youth substance use and related health challenges by leveraging local expertise and community engagement.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Statement Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

Health Minister Marjorie Michel issued an official statement acknowledging International Overdose Awareness Day on August 28, focusing attention on efforts to address overdose-related harms and support affected individuals and communities. The statement recognizes ongoing federal initiatives in controlled and illegal drug monitoring and the significance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing overdose issues nationally. These efforts reinforce the government’s commitment to public health and safety surrounding substance use.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Major Federal Investment in Youth Mental Health Research Announced

On August 29, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research confirmed that Minister Marjorie Michel will announce a substantial research investment intended to improve youth mental health and wellness. The announcement is scheduled for September 2 at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal, involving MP Claude Guay and Dr. Patricia Conrod, CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction Scientific Director. Targeted funding will be directed to advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of youth mental health services nationwide.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Polar Knowledge Canada Unveils Recipients of the 2025 Northern Scientific Training Program Special Awards

Polar Knowledge Canada announced on August 28 the recipients of the 2025 Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Special Awards, each valued at $2,500. The selected graduate students—Alison Schultz (Carleton University), Emilie Perreault (University of Saskatchewan), Danielle Nowosad (University of Guelph), and Alexis Beltrano (McMaster University)—are recognized for research on health systems, water security, biodiversity, and Indigenous-led research governance in the North. These awards provide early-career researchers with financial support to advance Northern and Arctic scientific priorities, including studies relevant to health systems resilience and environmental risks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Consultation Launched on Potential Amendments to Cannabis Tracking System Order

On August 30, Health Canada published a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I, seeking feedback on potential changes to the Cannabis Tracking System Order (CTSO). Proposed amendments aim to reduce reporting complexity and harmonize data requirements for federally licensed cultivators, processors, distributors, retailers, and provincial/territorial partners. Key consultation topics involve data categories, reporting frequency, and inventory classifications, with input solicited to inform regulatory adjustments that will maintain oversight while reducing administrative obligations. The public comment period is open for 60 days, until October 29, 2025. Stakeholder feedback will be considered in developing any future regulatory proposal, with cost-benefit analysis integrated into subsequent Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements.

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

Federal Funding Supports Seven New Chronic Disease Prevention Projects

The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed support for seven projects nationwide dedicated to enhancing chronic disease prevention and promoting healthy living. The targeted projects aim to address key public health risks and build capacity within communities, supporting multi-faceted approaches to reduce the prevalence and impact of chronic diseases among Canadians through education, outreach, and improved resource distribution.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

CDC Operational Disruptions Lead US Scientists and Physicians to Develop Alternative Systems

In recent developments reported on August 29, US scientists and physicians have begun forming replacement systems and networks in response to administrative challenges within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Efforts involve collaborative partnerships and the creation of alternatives to maintain disease surveillance, outbreak response, and delivery of vital public health services formerly facilitated by the CDC. The disruptions have prompted new innovation among public health professionals and drawn attention to the evolving federal role in health emergency preparedness and research continuity. These changes have the potential to influence international collaboration and cross-border health data exchanges, including impacts for Canadian health sector stakeholders engaged in surveillance and research partnerships.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

Launch of Latino-Focused Health Data Hub Following NIH Budget Reductions

August 28 saw major health leaders in the US establish a new Latino-focused health data hub, constructed to address research and service gaps following significant cuts to the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The initiative is geared toward continued support for health programming and analysis within Latino communities, countering resource challenges resulting from federal funding reductions. The project is designed to promote data-driven health service improvements and research continuity despite changes in government priorities, with potential opportunities for binational data sharing and program design among similar demographic groups in Canada.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Introduces Mobile Health Card Through Alberta Wallet Application

Alberta launched the Alberta Wallet on August 29, enabling residents to use a Mobile Health Card for valid proof of health insurance. Security and privacy features include user control over information, with physical health card options remaining available.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Expands RSV Immunization Program for Seniors

Ontario announced on August 27 the expansion of its RSV immunization program to include all residents aged 75 and older, broadening protection and aiming to reduce hospitalizations during the upcoming respiratory illness season.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Celebrates Completion of Runnymede Long-Term Care Home Construction

Ontario confirmed the completion of a new 200-bed not-for-profit Runnymede Long-Term Care Home in Toronto, with new capacity and specialized residential areas, expected to open to residents this fall.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC Framework Agreement Reached for Facilities Bargaining Association Employees

British Columbia reached a framework agreement under the 2025 Balanced Measures Mandate, establishing wage comparability increases and redress for Facilities Bargaining Association employees. Full details will be released following ratification.

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

Nova Scotia Opens Additional Recovery Support Centres for Substance Use and Gambling

Nova Scotia announced the opening of new walk-in recovery support centres in locations including Truro, Amherst, Springhill, and Yarmouth, expanding on twelve centres now active across the province for substance use and gambling support.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Draft ICH Guideline Q1 on Stability Testing Open for Feedback

Health Canada is accepting comments until August 31 on the draft ICH Guideline Q1 for stability testing of drug substances and products, including considerations for core principles and innovative stability tools.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• With CDC in chaos, scientists and physicians piece together replacements for agency's lost work: US research adaptations are forming amid CDC turmoil.
• New partnership to better mental health and primary care in Windsor: Windsor launches new initiative linking mental health and primary care.
• Families fight for better sepsis care: Canadian families advocate for improved hospital sepsis protocols.
• Achievers and CipherHealth Partner to Bring Real-Time Patient Recognition to the Forefront of Healthcare Employee Experience: New tech partnership focuses on patient recognition in healthcare workplaces.
• Health leaders launch new Latino-focused data hub to combat NIH budget cuts: US launches Latino health data hub amid NIH funding reductions.
• Sask. Health Authority should be able to assign where and when doctors work, says policy analyst: Discussion on doctor assignment authority in Saskatchewan.
• Where’s the Commitment? Provincial Silence on Big Tobacco Payouts Leaves Canadians Wondering if Lung Health Will be Left Behind, Says National Lung Health Alliance: Provincial stances on tobacco payouts raise questions at National Lung Health Alliance.
• P.E.I. successfully recruits 20 health-care professionals from the U.S.: P.E.I. attracts US medical workers to fill health care roles.
• PROstate of Mind: The Mindset That Could Save Your Life This September: September campaigns focus on prostate health awareness.
• Use of temporary foreign workers soars in Canadian health care: Canadian healthcare sees increased reliance on temporary foreign workers.

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