Start Date: 2025-02-22
End Date: 2025-02-28

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Pharmacare Agreement Signed with Manitoba

On February 27, 2025, Health Canada announced a $267 million federal investment to improve access to affordable medications in Manitoba. This includes over $219 million to provide universal coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medications, directly benefiting nearly 350,000 Manitobans. Additionally, $48 million is allocated to improve access to drugs for rare diseases. This agreement is part of a broader effort to enhance health equity and outcomes across Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Funding Announced for Mental Health Services for Black Canadians

On February 24, 2025, Minister Ya'ara Saks announced $279,900 in funding for three community-led projects in Alberta aimed at improving mental health services for Black Canadians. The funding is part of the Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. These projects will enhance understanding of mental health determinants and provide culturally relevant care.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Regulation Updates for Addiction Treatment

Alberta introduces amendments to improve mental health and addiction care licensing, focusing on flexibility and quality treatment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Breast Cancer Screening Research Advancements

The Public Health Agency of Canada highlighted progress in breast cancer screening research on February 26, 2025. Collaborative efforts are aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity, with a focus on underserved populations. A resource guide compiling best practices will be shared nationally to support equitable screening implementation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PMPRB Report Reveals Growth in Drug Costs

The PMPRB report shows a 14.1% growth in private plan drug costs in 2023, driven by higher-cost medicines. Private insurance accounts for 38% of prescribed drug spending in Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Improving Health Outcomes in Northwest Territories

On February 27, 2025, MP Michael McLeod, on behalf of Minister Ya’ara Saks, announced $1.9 million in funding for the Tlicho No One Left Alone project. This initiative in the Northwest Territories aims to provide counseling, harm reduction, and recovery services, training Indigenous community members to establish a support system for those on their recovery journey.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

New Health Home in Pictou County

Nova Scotia announced a new health home in Pictou County, improving primary healthcare access and providing training for healthcare professionals.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta's Budget 2025 Health Investments

Alberta's Budget 2025 allocates $28 billion for healthcare, focusing on acute, primary, mental health, and continuing care improvements.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre

Alberta's new health centre in La Crete will enhance maternal health and ambulatory care, with completion expected by 2027.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre Opens

A new UPCC in Williams Lake, BC, offers same-day primary care and will alleviate pressure on emergency services.

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

Compassionate Intervention Centres in Alberta

Alberta plans to build two compassionate intervention centres, aiming to address addiction crises with construction starting in 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Opens Centre for Internationally Trained Physicians

Nova Scotia's new centre accelerates licensing for internationally trained physicians, enhancing primary care access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Bursaries for Disability Support Training in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia funds 100 spots for disability support training programs, aiming to build a skilled workforce for person-centered care.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Launches Internal Travel Nurse Program

Nova Scotia's new travel nurse program aims to staff emergency departments with internal candidates, reducing reliance on external agencies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Supports Ronald McDonald House Expansion

Saskatchewan contributes $6.5 million to build a Ronald McDonald House in Regina, providing support for families of children undergoing medical treatment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Terry Duguid on Pharmacare Announcement

MP Terry Duguid highlights the recent pharmacare announcement in Manitoba, ensuring cost-free access to essential medications like diabetes drugs and contraceptives.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Karina Gould Discusses Universal Healthcare

MP Karina Gould emphasizes Canada's commitment to universal healthcare, reflecting on the Liberal government's role in its establishment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ahmed Hussen on Senior Benefits

MP Ahmed Hussen announces the disbursement of pension and dental care benefits, aiming to enhance quality of life for Canadian seniors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Vandal on New Health Coverage

MP Dan Vandal shares news on free universal coverage for various medications, including contraceptives and diabetes drugs, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Shafqat Ali Presents Coronation Medal

MP Shafqat Ali honors Dr. Frank Martino and Ken Mayhew of William Osler Health System with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their contributions to healthcare.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Campaign aims to end workplace violence in P.E.I. health care: Initiatives to combat workplace violence in P.E.I.'s healthcare sector.
• As kids struggle, Ontario’s health services are falling short, say pediatricians: Pediatricians express concerns over the gaps in Ontario's health services for children.