This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists, dental care providers, oral care providers, naturopaths, and old-age care providers. Once a week, 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 Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Healthcare - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Federal Government Invests $3 Million in Primary Care Research to Improve Access

On March 24, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced a $3 million federal investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to advance primary care research and improve basic health care access across Canada. The funding supports the Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium (CPCRC), a collaborative network of researchers, clinicians, and decision makers focused on strengthening primary care. The partnership with Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) will facilitate the implementation of evidence-based solutions in primary care delivery teams nationwide, with the goal of easing pressures on emergency departments. Data from 2024 show that 17% of adults and 11% of children lacked a regular primary care provider, contributing to disparities in health outcomes. Through combined efforts with initiatives like Care Forward, the investment will fund frontline practice innovation and generate real-time evidence on approaches to improve access and care quality.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nearly $1.4 Billion Allocated to Support Indigenous Health, Mental Wellness, and Community Programming

The Government of Canada announced nearly $1.4 billion in new investments to support health, wellness, and community services for Indigenous Peoples. Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty, joined by Friendship Centre representatives, detailed the allocation: $168 million over five years for Friendship Centre operations serving urban Indigenous populations; $630 million over two years for mental wellness and trauma support, including continued access to crisis lines and wraparound services at opioid agonist therapy sites serving 385 First Nations and Inuit communities; and $592.4 million through 2034 to the Assisted Living Program for non-medical social support services on-reserve. The program targets low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic conditions, with funding delivered through First Nations, provinces, and the Yukon.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Strengthening Oversight and Security for Human Pathogens and Toxins

On March 27, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed that amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) have received Royal Assent. The legislative changes update oversight for the use of human pathogens and toxins across research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industry settings. The new measures modernize safety requirements, aiming to reduce risks of misuse and improve emergency preparedness while continuing to support scientific advancement. The HPTA regulates activities related to research, vaccine development, and other essential services in Canadian health care and industry by setting out security and biosecurity standards.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Spending Package: Senate Finance Committee Reviews Changes Impacting Health Security and Data

The Senate Standing Committee on National Finance continued its consideration of Bill C-15, the federal budget implementation bill. Key provisions discussed include amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, with updated biosafety and biosecurity oversight measures explained by officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Other health-relevant points include the alignment of RCMP disability pensions to CPI and changes affecting information sharing between RCMP, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs, potentially affecting benefit processing. The committee also considered changes to PIPEDA, such as the introduction of a 'data mobility' right, and raised concerns about funding for Canada Post services used by healthcare sectors. Bill C-15 passed clause-by-clause with appended observations.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Support for First Nations Health, Governance, and Emergency Management

Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty announced $738.9 million in new five-year funding for First Nations health, governance capacity, and emergency management. The package dedicates $400 million over five years to maintain health services and digital health tools in remote and isolated First Nations communities, including support for frontline professionals and community paramedics. An additional $283.3 million over two years is allocated toward strengthening governance structures and administration, while $55.6 million in FY 2026-27 will go to the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) for disaster preparedness and mitigation activities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Emergency Treatment Fund Invests in Substance Use Health Services in Atlantic Canada

Health Canada summarized new Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) disbursements totaling over $936,000 for three projects across Atlantic Canada aimed at expanding substance use health services and supports. Recipients included the City of Fredericton, which added overnight outreach services with increased funding, the City of Miramichi, which expanded urgent wraparound care, and First Light St. John's Friendship Centre, which established an Indigenous peer support circle for harm reduction and land-based healing. This funding has increased access to immediate treatment, transport to care providers, and culturally appropriate interventions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Global Health Innovation Supported with $200 Million Investment Through Grand Challenges Canada

On March 27, Secretary of State Randeep Sarai announced a renewed $200 million federal investment in Grand Challenges Canada to foster global health innovation. The announcement, made during a visit to KA Imaging in Waterloo, draws attention to the scaling of Canadian medical technologies—including portable X-ray devices—and their deployment in low-income regions. The funding targets projects that improve health outcomes internationally while producing jobs and supporting the domestic health innovation economy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Reaches Consent Agreement with Welltower on Retirement Home Acquisition

The Competition Bureau of Canada reported a consent agreement with Welltower OP LLC relating to its planned acquisition of 34 retirement home properties from Amica Senior Lifestyles. To resolve antitrust concerns over reduced competition in private-pay retirement accommodation and health services in BC and Ontario, Welltower will divest four retirement homes in Victoria, Northwest Vancouver, Brampton, and Ottawa to independent buyers. The regulator considers this measure adequate to preserve competitive dynamics in the retirement home market as sector demand rises.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Statement on Tuberculosis Elimination Efforts and Ongoing Funding

In a joint statement on World Tuberculosis Day, the Acting Chief Public Health Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Public Health for Indigenous Services Canada recounted federal activities and funding for TB elimination. Over 2,500 TB diagnoses were reported in 2024. Indigenous Peoples and immigrants continue to experience higher infection rates. Federal programs include investments in Inuit-led projects, support for testing, outbreak response, and food security, alongside a $1.02 billion pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for 2026–28. The 2025 federal TB Response strategy outlines an intergovernmental roadmap toward elimination and recent actions include increased funding for Inuit Nunangat communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Modernizes Workplace Safety Training in Northern Territories

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced a $600,000 contribution to the Northern Safety Association. This initiative supports the online delivery of 30 safety training courses for workers across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, with topics that include mental wellness and essential workplace health risks. The expanded access to virtual training is positioned to support workplace safety and operational continuity in a range of northern industries, including health care.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Data on Electronic Health Information Use Among Health Care Providers Released

Statistics Canada published 2025 survey results tracking Shared Health Priorities involving electronic health information adoption by health care providers. The dataset details sectoral and geographic usage levels for digital health records and communication tools. This information informs ongoing digital transformation efforts affecting patient care workflows, provider collaboration, and quality assurance in the health sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Operating Revenue of Private Nursing and Residential Care Facilities Up 7.1% in 2024

Statistics Canada reported that the operating revenue of Canada's private nursing and residential care facilities reached $20.6 billion in 2024, a 7.1% increase year over year. The data show Ontario accounted for 40.3% of revenues, Quebec 26%, and BC 13.7%. The Atlantic provinces' share continued to edge up, paralleling the region's higher proportion of seniors (19% of Canadians aged 65+ nationally). These figures provide context for resource allocation and future sector demand.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Launches Policy to Restructure Primary Care and Services

Quebec introduced a new policy focused on accessibility, coordination, and community engagement in primary care, aiming to transform how care is delivered and supported across the province.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Opens Addiction Recovery Hub in Niagara Region

Ontario opened a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in St. Catharines, part of a $550 million investment to expand integrated mental health, addiction, housing, and support services across communities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Allocates $5 Million to Food Quality Initiatives in Personal Care Homes

$5 million will go to improving food quality and dining experiences for seniors in Manitoba's personal care homes, as part of broader provincial investments in long-term care infrastructure.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

BC Pilots 'Connections Through Inclusion' for Indigenous Adults with Diverse Abilities

A new pilot in Port Alberni pairs Community Living BC with local Friendship Centres to support Indigenous adults with developmental disabilities, autism, or FASD, facilitating access to health, housing, and cultural supports.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Measles Case Notification: Public Health Alert for Exposure in Quebec

Quebec public health issued a notice regarding confirmed measles exposure on a March 24 flight from Morocco to Montreal, specifying contacts among at-risk groups for surveillance and potential preventive treatment.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• How will health care be addressed in Budget 2026?: Global News examines expectations for healthcare priorities in the upcoming federal budget.
• What's the future of virtual health care in Ontario? Despite funding cutback, it may have taken root: The Toronto Star reports on the persistence of virtual care models in Ontario.
• Sask. aiming to get high school students hooked on career in healthcare with new course: CTV News outlines Saskatchewan's strategy to grow the future healthcare workforce.
• ‘We’re in a crisis’: Advocates say N.B. seniors long-term care plan falls short: CTV Atlantic covers criticism of New Brunswick's approach to long-term care for seniors.
• Indian Health Service is digging out of decades-old construction backlog for medical buildings: Analysis of infrastructure challenges in the U.S. Indian Health Service.
• Partnership between St. Joseph’s Healthcare and YMCA helps people with disabilities stay active after rehabilitation: CTV reports on a rehabilitation partnership supporting people with disabilities.
• They were injured in military service. Canada promised better rehab. Here’s why these veterans are still in pain: The Toronto Star investigates gaps in veteran rehabilitation services.
• Windsor doctor being remembered as a ‘pioneer, visionary’ in medical, Muslim communities: CBC covers the legacy of Dr. Ismail Peer in Windsor's medical landscape.
• Horizon Health Network: Creating a healthy culture at Horizon Health Network: The Globe and Mail looks at workplace culture initiatives at Horizon Health Network.
• Opinion | Beware the health misinformation beast that lurks in your workplace: Commentary on workplace health misinformation risks from the Toronto Star.

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