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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Health Ministers Set to Convene in Calgary

Federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers will meet face-to-face in Calgary on October 16 and 17, co-chaired by federal Minister of Health Marjorie Michel and Alberta’s Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Adriana LaGrange. The session will include separate provincial-territorial and federal-provincial-territorial meetings, each followed by news conferences. Media must pre-register for in-person or virtual attendance, with simultaneous interpretation available. The agenda is expected to focus on coordinated health system priorities and intergovernmental collaboration. Developments from this meeting could shape policy direction on a range of national health system and service issues.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Advances Breast Cancer Awareness, Data, and Research Initiatives

The Public Health Agency of Canada, through a statement by Minister of Health Marjorie Michel, reaffirmed ongoing federal efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The government has partnered with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to subsidize research aimed at making radiation therapy safer and investigating new treatment modalities. CIHR also engages cancer patients and advocates in shaping research priorities. Federal investment has supported the development of a breast cancer research roadmap and the enhancement of the OncoSim-Breast model, incorporating data on breast density and exploring race-based data inclusion. Partnerships with the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health and Statistics Canada are accelerating analysis of breast cancer trends across age, race, and ethnicity. These initiatives target improved detection, prevention, and outcomes for Canadian women.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines National Sickle Cell Disease Framework

At the October 8 meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, Dr. Catherine Moltzan (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) discussed aligning hematology training with Bill S-201 to establish a national framework for sickle cell disease. Sandra Young (Health Standards Organization) detailed the development of evidence-informed national standards for diagnosis and treatment. Drs. Robert Klaassen and Alan Tinmouth (Canadian Haemoglobinopathy Association) described rising patient numbers and limited access to new therapies, voicing support for Bill S-201 to facilitate equitable care. Senators McPhedran and Petitclerc raised questions about gene therapy access and recognition of sickle cell disease as a disability. The session drew attention to educational needs, care standards, and access barriers.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Bill Requiring Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol

On October 9, the Senate Social Affairs committee considered Bill S-202, which would amend the Food and Drugs Act to require cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Senator Patrick Brazeau, bill sponsor, argued for greater consumer transparency regarding alcohol’s cancer risks and referenced low public awareness. The committee heard about expected resistance from the alcohol sector and discussed potential effects on youth and challenges in implementation. Health Canada representatives indicated ongoing review of the bill’s impacts and international practices, with Aysha Mawani referencing parallel efforts under the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The session reflected current legislative attention to cancer prevention and risk communication.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Reduced Usage and Increased Penalties

Employment and Social Development Canada reported a 50% reduction in Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program applications and a 70% reduction in the low-wage stream since September 2024, following measures to limit program reliance. The department carried out 1,435 employer compliance inspections in fiscal 2024–2025, finding 10% of employers non-compliant. Penalties more than doubled year-over-year to $4.88 million, with 36 employers banned. Notable violations included improper working conditions and wage irregularities in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care. The largest penalty to date, $1 million and a 10-year ban, was issued in September to a seafood sector employer. The government is pursuing a regionally targeted approach to further strengthen program integrity and worker protections.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Samuel De Champlain Bridge Special Illumination for World Mental Health Day

On October 10, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in Montreal was illuminated in lime green from sunset to 9:30 p.m. in recognition of World Mental Health Day. After the event, the bridge returned to its blue-green lighting, which mitigates risks to migrating birds. The event aligns with broader public awareness activities around mental health.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Secretary Bardeesy to Deliver Closing Remarks at Research Canada’s CDANXT Conference

Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, is scheduled to deliver the closing remarks at Research Canada’s national conference, CDANXT, on October 9 in Toronto. CDANXT brings together leaders from academia, research hospitals, industry, government, and the non-profit sector to advance collaborative advocacy for health research and innovation. The event is positioned as a key forum for discussing the direction of Canadian health research.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Updated Mortality Data from Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada has released updated provisional death counts from January 2023 to July 2025, drawing from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database. The Provisional Deaths in Canada Dashboard and interactive visualization tools have also been updated, offering stakeholders current insights into national mortality trends.

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

Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database: New Release

New preliminary data from the Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database, covering January 2006 to June 2025, is now available. The dataset provides information on deaths investigated by provincial and territorial coroners and medical examiners, supporting surveillance of unexpected or unexplained fatalities, including those relevant to health care and substance use.

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

Senate National Finance Committee Discusses Economic and Health Workforce Issues

At the October 7 session of the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance, representatives from the Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, C.D. Howe Institute, Centre for Future Work, and independent economists reviewed Canada’s economic outlook and workforce challenges. Discussion topics included internal trade barriers, infrastructure, SME operating costs, tax reform, and the care economy’s impact on public spending and productivity. Armine Yalnizyan addressed the influence of Canada’s social safety net on investment and workforce attraction, while Jim Stanford spoke on EI reform and industry protection.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

Executive Order Directs Use of Artificial Intelligence to Advance Pediatric Cancer Research

On September 30, 2025, the President issued Executive Order 14355 to accelerate pediatric cancer research and treatment through artificial intelligence (AI). Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in U.S. children aged 1–19, with incidence rising over 40% since 1975. The order builds on the ongoing Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, which invests $50 million annually to improve data collection and analysis. The Make America Healthy Again Commission is tasked with prioritizing AI-driven improvements in diagnostics, predictive modeling, and clinical trial design. The order promotes expanded federal investment, private sector engagement, and improved data sharing standards, while maintaining privacy protections and compliance with federal law. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for publication costs related to the order.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks Comment on Carbon Tetrachloride Workplace Exposure Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments on its risk management rule for carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The rule, finalized in December 2024, established an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure limit of 0.03 ppm and prohibited certain uses. Following legal challenges and petitions for review, EPA is reconsidering the rule. Stakeholders may provide feedback on exposure limits, monitoring feasibility, and alternative approaches until November 10, 2025, via regulations.gov. The agency will consider supporting data and public information in the deliberation process. Authority derives from TSCA Section 6(a) and the Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Message on Child Health Day Outlines Administration’s Pediatric Health Priorities

On Child Health Day, the President reiterated the administration’s focus on combating chronic illnesses among children, including autism, obesity, diabetes, and mental health concerns. Initiatives include reducing chemical exposures, promoting whole foods, restoring school-based physical activity, and reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test. The administration is also reviewing the prescription rates of SSRIs, antipsychotics, and weight management drugs, advocating alternative interventions. The recently signed TAKE IT DOWN Act aims to protect children from digital exploitation, deepfake abuse, and to improve online privacy and mental health safeguards.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Launches FAST Program to Accelerate Access to Cancer Drugs

Ontario has introduced the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program, expediting access to select cancer drugs by up to a year. The initiative targets 7–10 high-priority drugs annually, leveraging Health Canada’s Project Orbis pathway.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Issues New Health Mandate Letters for Health System Reform

The Alberta government has issued new mandate letters to four health ministers, directing coordinated actions across primary care, hospital services, mental health and addiction, and assisted living to reduce wait times and improve access provincewide.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Releases Five-Year Provincial Health Plan

New Brunswick unveiled a five-year health plan focused on primary care, workforce sustainability, seniors' care, mental health, acute care, and digital integration. Progress will be tracked through defined outcome measures.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Ontario Expands Access to Fertility Treatments with $250 Million Investment

Ontario announced $250 million to expand in vitro fertilization access under the Ontario Fertility Program, supporting 25 clinics and aiming to triple the number of families accessing publicly funded fertility supports.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Funds Upgrades to Medical Device Reprocessing Infrastructure

Alberta is investing $243 million over three years to modernize medical device reprocessing departments in hospitals across the province, supporting surgical efficiency and reducing wait times.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consultation on Safety Assessment for Free-Standing Clothing Storage Units

Health Canada is soliciting stakeholder feedback on proposed updates to the danger to human health or safety assessment for free-standing clothing storage units until November 7, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Health-care system doesn’t meet the needs of Maritime women: IWK Foundation survey: A survey of Maritime women points to gaps in health-care service accessibility.
• ‘I get to go home to my family:’ How one BC city is attracting new family doctors: BC community uses innovative recruitment to bring in family doctors.
• Government shutdown drags on as health care compromise remains elusive: US federal government shutdown continues amid unresolved health care negotiations.
• Humber River Health Achieves Excellent Scores, Remarkably Low Rate of Patient Harm, Leading Provincial and National Benchmarks: Humber River Health reports leading patient safety outcomes in Canada.
• Survey looks a health-care needs of Maritime women: Video coverage of IWK Foundation survey on women’s health-care needs in the Maritimes.
• ‘No blame, no shame’: Experts urge culture shift to reduce hospital harm: Hospital safety experts discuss the need for a non-punitive approach to reducing patient harm.
• ‘Discriminatory and devastating’: New Ontario rule for medical residency that would exclude most immigrant physicians sparks outrage: New Ontario medical residency rule draws criticism from immigrant physician community.
• World Mental Health Day: Coverage of World Mental Health Day events and mental health service access.
• Women’s Health:Migrant youth sexual health gaps: Report examines sexual health gaps for migrant youth in Canada.

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