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: 2025-09-21 to 2025-09-27

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Bill S-228, Informed Consent in Sterilization: LCJC meeting no. 3 is scheduled for September 25 at 10:30 AM. Key witnesses include Dr. Margot Burnell (Canadian Medical Association), Dr. Diane Francoeur, and Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada), as the committee continues its study of Bill S-228.

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Government Invests Nearly $20 Million in Pandemic Preparedness Research

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of almost $20 million through the CIHR Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies to support seven national research platforms. These initiatives aim to strengthen national surveillance systems, diagnostics, and data-sharing, enabling rapid response to emerging threats such as avian influenza. The announcement details collaboration among institutions to sustain research infrastructure, address challenges that arise during health emergencies, and support the needs of high-risk groups including cancer populations, children, and individuals in rural and remote regions. The research platforms will generate evidence-based insights to guide immunization strategies and public health decisions. Funding will also be used to foster community-based research and enhance public trust during pandemic events. The investment forms part of Canada's broader effort to maintain readiness for future infectious disease threats.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Joint Statement on Treatment of Gaza Patients—Call for Medical Corridor Access

Global Affairs Canada joined foreign ministers from over twenty countries and EU representatives in a statement responding to restricted patient treatment access from Gaza. The joint statement offers support in the form of financial contributions, medical personnel, and equipment for treating Gaza patients in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The signatories appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor for patient evacuation and enable the supply of medicines and equipment, citing international humanitarian law obligations and the need for safe passage for medical personnel. The statement also requests cooperation for humanitarian work in Gaza through UN partners.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Recognizes Concussion Awareness Week with Education and Policy Initiatives

Minister Marjorie Michel and Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden issued a joint statement for Concussion Awareness Week. They cited recent emergency department statistics showing over 105,000 concussion diagnoses among Canadians aged five and older in 2023–24, and mentioned continued efforts to improve safety across sport and recreation. The government requires concussion policies for all federally funded national sport organizations. The statement highlights Ken Dryden’s advocacy, references government partnerships for concussion prevention, and provides access to new concussion resources.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Live Births Data for 2024, Reports Year-Over-Year Increase

On September 24, Statistics Canada reported 365,737 live births in 2024, a 3.7% increase from 2023. The release notes implications for population growth and indicates observed trends affecting child and maternal health in recent years.

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

New Population Estimates Released by Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada published updated population estimates for Canada and its provinces and territories for July 1, 2025. The dataset enables analysis of demographic changes during the previous quarter. Updated estimates reaching back to the third quarter of 2021 are included; data up to the fourth quarter of 2021 are finalized.

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

Senate Sitting Addresses Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder—Need for Consistent Service Delivery

During Senate sitting no. 19 on September 25, debate centered on Bill S-234, which addresses Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Discussion included proposals for national awareness campaigns and motions for improved, consistent service delivery for individuals affected by FASD. The session included recognition of cultural heritage months, introduction of new bills, and tabling of committee reports. Broader policy topics discussed included privacy provisions in Bill C-11, healthcare funding, and Indigenous Peoples health committees.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada Expands Funding for First Nations-Led Child and Family Services in Tŝilhqot’in Nation

On September 27, Indigenous Services Canada and British Columbia signed an amendment to a coordination agreement with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, extending the fiscal arrangement for First Nations-led child and family services from one to five years. Canada will provide $18.8 million annually in base funding, with $132 million for infrastructure across six communities. The province will contribute $766,222 annually plus cost adjustments. The funding supports implementation of Tŝilhqot’in law and aims for expanded supports, healing programs, and cultural continuity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Expands Primary Care Teams to Connect 500,000 More Residents

Ontario launched a call for proposals to create and expand about 75 primary care teams, with a target of connecting 500,000 more residents to clinicians by 2029 as part of a $2.1 billion plan.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Announces Funding for New Interprofessional Primary Care Teams

Ontario committed $2.1 billion in funding, supporting 130 primary care teams expected to attach over 300,000 people to care across the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Marks Health Link 811’s 25th Anniversary and Highlights Expanded Services

Health Link 811 in Alberta celebrates 25 years, now offering both general health advice and specialized services, including virtual physician care, which has reduced strain on emergency departments.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Partners with Novo Nordisk and Alberta Innovates for Chronic Disease Prevention

Alberta is investing $2 million, matched by Novo Nordisk Canada, in community-led projects addressing chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, with Alberta Innovates overseeing project selection.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Sees Growth in Recruitment of U.S.-Licensed Health Professionals

More than 1,400 job applications from U.S. health-care professionals have been received since May 2025, with over 140 accepted offers. Recent bylaw changes and expedited credential recognition processes are facilitating registration.

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

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consults on Plain Language Labelling for Prescription Drugs

Health Canada is inviting feedback on draft guidance for plain language labelling regulations for prescription drugs between September 25 and November 7, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Guidance for Notifying Health Canada of Foreign Actions

Health Canada has launched a new consultation seeking comments on draft guidance and notification forms regarding the reporting of foreign regulatory actions, open until November 24, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario Patient Ombudsman report slams Health atHome’s bungling of medical supply shortages: The Ontario Patient Ombudsman addresses medical supply challenges in Health atHome services.
• Aging population, rising healthcare costs: why adult immunization could be Canada's best bet: The Star examines the impact of adult immunization for Canada's aging demographic.
• Iris Gorfinkel: As the family doctor and nursing shortage gets worse, here is an innovative solution that will help: Iris Gorfinkel discusses proposed solutions for physician and nurse shortages.
• 16-year study suggests improvements to Alberta’s primary care, doctor retention: CTV News reviews long-term findings on Alberta’s primary care systems.
• Cornwall's prescription for more medical staff includes loans, scholarships for nurses, doctors: CBC reports on recruitment incentives to address medical staff shortages in Ontario.
• Driving innovation in health education: The Globe and Mail covers new initiatives in health education.
• The legacy gap in Canada: why waiting to share end-of-life wishes can cost more: The Star discusses the financial implications of unshared advance care planning.
• Health PEI becomes first province to integrate home care with hospital systems using AlayaCare: Health PEI’s home care/hospital system integration featured in the Financial Post.
• More investment in primary care: Alberta researcher on how to address doctor shortages: CTV Edmonton covers perspectives on Alberta’s physician shortage.
• What does it take to convince a health-care professional to move to P.E.I.?: CBC interviews healthcare professionals about relocation to Prince Edward Island.

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