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.

Dates: 2025-10-19 to 2025-10-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House of Commons Standing Committee on Health to Study Immigration Policy’s Impact on Healthcare: On October 28, the Standing Committee on Health will review immigration policy impacts and the challenges faced by internationally trained professionals. Witnesses include Dr. Scott Alexander, Rosemary Pawliuk, Dr. Douglas Munkley, Geoffrey Barnum, Eva Slawecki, and Dr. Viren Naik.
• Human Resources Committee Addresses Seniors’ Key Priorities and Youth Employment: Scheduled for October 28, the Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee will host Secretary of State Stephanie McLean and Paul Thompson from Employment and Social Development on government priorities, followed by youth employment discussion with The Students Commission of Canada and YMCA Halifax/Dartmouth.
• Senate Committee to Hear Testimony on Alcohol Warning Label Legislation: On October 29, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will hear Toronto and Vancouver Public Health officials, and stakeholders from the Coalition of Canadian Independent Craft Brewers and Brock University, discussing Bill S-202 warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
• Senate Committee Set for Clause-by-Clause Review of Bill S-202 Alcohol Warning Labels: Clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-202 is scheduled for October 30 in Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.

Canadian Federal GR News

Prescription Drug Spending Surges Amid Increased Use of High-Cost Medicines

Prescription drug expenditures for Canadian public drug plans rose by 7.4% in 2022/23 to $14.1 billion, according to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s CompassRx report. The increase was primarily driven by drugs with annual costs exceeding $10,000, used by just 3% of beneficiaries but accounting for over a third of total drug costs. Rare disease treatments, each costing over $300,000 per year, dominated the list of top 10 highest-cost medicines. The report’s findings will be referenced in provincial policy discussions as jurisdictions assess responses to growing cost pressures for drug coverage and public pharmacy reimbursement. CompassRx includes all provincial public drug plans except Quebec and Yukon and identifies the rising prevalence of expensive therapies as the central factor in expenditure growth for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The data informs decision-makers about evolving funding challenges.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Over $40 Million Allocated to Combat Substance Use and Overdose Crisis in Western Canada

Health Canada announced more than $30 million from the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) and an additional $10 million via the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) for projects across Western Canada targeting urgent overdose and substance use challenges. The ETF supports immediate action for communities—including municipalities and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis groups—to address toxic drug supply and overdose crises. These projects focus on expanding trauma-informed, evidence-based care, and culturally relevant interventions, with SUAP funding directed to innovative and time-limited initiatives. The announcement specifies efforts to build local capacity and improve access to care for at-risk populations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Supporting Mental Health Equity for Black Canadians: $2.8 Million in New Community Grants

The Public Health Agency of Canada, represented by MPs Yasir Naqvi, Greg Fergus, and Tatiana Auguste, announced $2.8 million in funding for 26 Black-led community projects under the Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. All supported initiatives aim to advance culturally-focused approaches and address determinants of mental health, particularly those associated with systemic discrimination. The fund is designed to increase available resources and reduce barriers to mental health support through programming tailored for Black communities. The grants are distributed nationally, supporting local organizations and partnerships.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Auditor General’s Follow-Up: Key Service Improvements and Workforce Expansion for First Nations and Inuit

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty acknowledged the Auditor General of Canada’s follow-up report on First Nations and Inuit programs. The review called for accelerated improvements in health care, emergency response, education, and access to clean drinking water. Notably, Indigenous Services Canada has expanded its frontline health workforce—adding paramedics, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners—with targeted incentives to bolster recruitment and retention. Dental care access has been enhanced under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, while emergency management resources have grown to include over 300 community emergency management coordinators. Investments support both operation and construction of drinking water infrastructure, along with improved data practices in education. Gull-Masty committed to a further action report, scheduled for spring 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Dental Care Plan Updates and Statement Issued by Health Canada

Health Canada released a statement regarding current implementation steps related to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Details include the ongoing rollout schedule, with the department providing updates about enrolments and eligibility expansion. Health Canada indicated it will continue disseminating information about coverage parameters and access processes to ensure clarity for health care professionals and the public.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Funding List Announced for Accessibility Projects Through Youth Innovation Call

Employment and Social Development Canada published a comprehensive funding list for accessibility-related projects awarded under the 2024 Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) Youth Innovation Call. Recipients include local health organizations, optometry clinics, nonprofits, and recreational facilities across Canadian provinces. Funding supports targeted improvements from vision therapy to accessible community spaces and early childhood centers, with grant amounts ranging from several hundred to $12,000 per project.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Committee Reviews Alcohol Warning Labels and Sickle Cell Disease Measures

Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association, and Ian Culbert of the Canadian Public Health Association voiced support for Bill S-202, which would require health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. They referenced alcohol’s classification as a Group 1 carcinogen and its role in driving more than 800,000 emergency room visits annually. Previous public awareness gains from regional trials highlight the bill's potential for consumer education. The committee also agreed to report Bill S-201, focused on sickle cell disease recognition, indicating forthcoming consideration by the full Senate.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Further Expert Testimony on Alcohol Warning Labels in Canada

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology convened hearings for Bill S-202, receiving input from the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, and Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society. Witnesses recommended standardized labels citing international models, discussed anticipated industry opposition, and detailed alcohol’s status as a predominant preventable cause of death and social harm. The session included comparisons to tobacco control, debated complementary measures, and examined economic impacts on the health system.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Parliament Senate Proceedings Touch on Disability, Small Businesses, and Healthcare Recognition

The Senate session of October 22 included recognition of Small Business Week and affirmations from service providers such as Disability Without Poverty and Deen Support Services regarding the Canada Disability Benefit. Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard addressed World Ostomy Day and support for ostomy patients. Senators moved to third reading of Bill S-233 and discussed justice, employment, and transparency measures affecting health workers. Additional motions and inquiries referenced coordination between the Senate and House of Commons for health-relevant legislation.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Emergency Management Strategies Advance Veterans Health Recruitment and Support Programs

The Senate's October 23 sitting featured Minister Jill McKnight's responses during Question Period regarding mental health services and recruitment for veterans' families. Canada’s national employment strategy for veterans, launched in 2024, was discussed alongside challenges in homelessness data collection, employment incentives, and federal jurisdiction questions for key infrastructure bills. These developments are relevant for care providers working with veteran and military populations.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Committee Examines Wildfire Impacts on Health Infrastructure and EMS Capacity

Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee members and expert witnesses addressed increases in insured losses stemming from wildfires and the role of resilience investments in protecting health facilities and emergency resources. Recommendations ranged from improved disaster mapping portals to deploying advanced drone firefighting technology. Witnesses described impacts on mental health and capacity, citing the importance of bridging research and logistical gaps for public health infrastructure.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Moves to Expand Private Access to Diagnostics and Elective Testing

Alberta announced new legislative reforms enabling residents to privately purchase diagnostic screening services, including MRIs and CT scans, and permitting supplemental health benefits plans to insure these services. The reforms aim to cut wait times and attract investment in diagnostic technology.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Ranks First for Same-Day Primary Care Access and Shortest Hospital Discharge Waits

CIHI's new data shows 32.6% of Manitobans can see a provider within a day, and the province leads in hospital discharge speed for patients transitioning to home care. Manitoba has expanded clinics and online booking for faster access.

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

British Columbia Launches 2025-26 Vaccine Campaign for COVID-19 and Influenza

B.C. opened its annual vaccination initiative with 1.94 million doses of influenza vaccine and 1.4 million COVID-19 vaccines secured. As of October 19, nearly 275,000 are vaccinated against influenza and 215,000 against COVID-19.

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

British Columbia Proposes Extended Sick Leave for Serious Illnesses and Injuries

B.C. announced amendments to the Employment Standards Act, providing up to 27 weeks of unpaid job-protected medical leave for workers recovering from serious illness, aligning provincial standards with other jurisdictions.

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

Manitoba Debuts Parenting Website With Evidence-Based Child Health Information

Manitoba’s new Parenting in Manitoba website offers over 120 articles and advice for pregnancy and early childhood development, supporting government investments in maternal and newborn health.

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

Government Consultations

Health Canada Opens Consultation on DEET and Related Active Toluamides Reevaluation

Health Canada launched a consultation on updating labelling standards and health/environment assessments for DEET products, with stakeholder input invited until January 21, 2026.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

New Draft Guidance for Summary Reporting of Marketed Drugs and Natural Health Products Under Review

Health Canada announced a 60-day consultation for updated guidance and forms related to summary reports of marketed drugs and natural health products, beginning October 24.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• B.C. health authority proposes virtual care pilot program to keep small ERs open: Digital solutions are being considered to support emergency care stability.
• Toronto hospital’s Dragons’ Den-style competition sparks ‘life-changing ideas’: A Toronto hospital fosters innovation through health entrepreneur competitions.
• How these Toronto scientists are trying to improve health care: Toronto researchers present new approaches for healthcare delivery.
• Dragons' Den for doctors: this competition takes scientists' pitches on how to improve health care: St. Michael’s hosts an event for scientists pitching healthcare improvements.
• Family of teen who died after waiting hours for care meets Ontario Health Minister: Ontario Health Minister meets bereaved family to discuss ER wait times.
• Iris Gorfinkel: B.C. showed how to fix the family doctor crisis — but Ontario’s not listening: Analysis compares primary care reforms in B.C. with those in Ontario.
• Sanofi Deepens Partnership with Medidata to Expedite the Development of New Therapies with an Improved Patient Journey: Pharmaceutical partnerships focus on accelerated therapy development.
• DataVault AI and Wellgistics Health Announce Plans for PharmacyChain™ to Implement Manufacturer-to-Patient Blockchain-enabled Smart Contracts for the Prescription Drug Industry to Improve Efficiency and Patient Outcomes: Blockchain technology is being integrated into patient-pharmacy drug management.
• Sustainable Innovation & Health Dividend Fund Distributions: Financial news on health-focused funds and innovation support.
• Health care compromise appears far off as the government shutdown stalemate persists: U.S. health services continue to be affected by federal budget impasse.

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