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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Status of Women Committee to Address Abuse and Financial Vulnerability of Senior Women: On April 28, the Status of Women Committee will hear from representatives of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence and other organizations regarding the abuse and financial vulnerability of senior women, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room 420, Wellington Building.
• Health Committee to Discuss PrescribeIT Program Investigation: The Health Committee will meet on April 28 to consider its ongoing investigation into the PrescribeIT e-prescribing program, meeting from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Veterans Affairs Committee to Review Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates: On April 27, the Veterans Affairs Committee will review the 2026-27 Main Estimates and 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates, hearing from departmental officials and Minister Jill McKnight.
• Science and Research Committee to Consider Reports on Antimicrobial Resistance and Artificial Intelligence: On April 30, the Science and Research Committee will privately consider draft reports on antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, and federal research funding criteria from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Heritage Committee to Review Report on Effects of Influencers and Social Media Content on Youth: The Canadian Heritage Committee will meet in camera on April 30, from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., to consider draft reporting on social media content and its effects on children and adolescents.
• Senate Social Affairs Committee: Clause-by-Clause on Bill S-5 for Health IT Interoperability: On April 29, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will hold a clause-by-clause examination of Bill S-5, addressing interoperability of health information technology and data blocking by vendors.
• Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Examines Americas Public Health and Bill C-18: On April 29, the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss the public health situation in the Americas and Bill C-18, with input from the Pan American Health Organization.
• Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs Addresses Veterans’ Homelessness: The Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs will meet April 29 to discuss veterans’ homelessness, with witnesses from Niginan Housing Ventures and Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee Reviews Cannabis Act’s Effects: On April 29, the Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee will examine the government's response to its report on the Cannabis Act’s effects on Indigenous Peoples, with representatives from JFK Law LLP, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, and other stakeholders.
• Senate Social Affairs Committee Considers Artificial Intelligence Impacts: On April 30, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will meet to examine artificial intelligence impacts in Canada, with witnesses from Coveo and Bell Cyber Inc.

Federal Government News

Competition Bureau Advocates Interoperability and Anti-Blocking Rules for Digital Health EMRs

Brad Callaghan, Associate Deputy Commissioner at the Competition Bureau, delivered remarks on the Bureau’s longstanding support for data portability and interoperability in the digital health care sector before the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The Bureau's Digital Health Care Market Study noted that most Canadian primary care providers rely on EMR systems from just three companies, making information sharing difficult and impeding competition. The Bureau cited three key recommendations to strengthen digital health competition: harmonizing privacy and data governance across Canada, mandating compliance with anti-blocking rules for EMR companies, and setting national interoperability standards for EMR platforms. Callaghan welcomed Bill S-5, which aims to embed these principles into law, as an implementation vehicle for these recommendations. The Bureau affirmed its legal obligation to investigate in private but indicated support for current legislative movement in this area.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Invests Over $54 Million in Seniors’ Community-Based Initiatives through NHSP

The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors, announced more than $54 million for upwards of 2,600 community-based projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). Announced in Edmonton alongside Minister Eleanor Olszewski and MP Matt Jeneroux, the Sage Seniors Association received $25,000 in funding to expand learning, digital education, financial literacy, and social activities for seniors. The 2025–26 NHSP call for proposals emphasized digital literacy, fraud prevention, and social participation. The forthcoming 2026–27 funding round will raise maximum project funding to $50,000. Complementary federal measures include increased Old Age Security for those over 75, an expanded GIS earnings exemption, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and a new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit for low and modest-income seniors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Backgrounder: Over 2,600 NHSP Projects Supporting Seniors Nationwide

Employment and Social Development Canada released a backgrounder on the NHSP, outlining the program’s longevity and objectives. Since its inception in 2004, the NHSP has funded more than 45,000 projects to foster volunteerism and support healthy aging, abuse prevention, diversity and inclusion, and financial security among Canadian seniors. For 2025–26, national priorities included digital literacy, mental health, elder abuse mitigation, and services to diverse senior populations across over 400 communities. Grants of up to $25,000 were provided, with funding breakdown available by province and territory.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expanded Federal Funding Under Black Justice Strategy for Community-Led Supports

The Department of Justice Canada announced over $8.6 million in new funding (2025-2027) for organizations supporting Black youth, survivors of crime, and those interacting with the criminal justice system. Funded projects include reintegration and restorative justice initiatives in Toronto, Edmonton, and Prince Edward Island, legal navigation services for Black adults, and trauma-informed resources for victims. The announcement details specific new programs across the country and indicates funds distributed through the Youth Justice Fund, Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, and Victims Fund. Program information is available through government grants data sources.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Prevalence of Regular Healthcare Providers Among Immigrants and Racialized People—2024 Release

Statistics Canada released a 2024 study examining the prevalence of immigrants and racialized individuals having a regular healthcare provider, such as a family doctor, medical specialist, or nurse practitioner. The findings note a variety of limiting factors, including service availability, wait times, travel distance, and navigation of the healthcare system, for these populations seeking consistent health care.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Study: Public Use Microdata on Canadian Giving, Volunteering, and Participating

The public use microdata file for the 2023 Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating is available from Statistics Canada. The survey includes data on Canadians’ charitable activities, volunteering, and civic engagement, along with barriers to participation such as health issues and scheduling. The dataset supports detailed examination of the voluntary sector and related access issues.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

National Health and Safety Week Launch Announced by CCOHS

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) announced the launch of Safety and Health Week 2026, set for May 4–9. Anne Tennier (CCOHS), Eugene Gutierrez (Threads of Life), and Dave Turner (HSPC) will lead a virtual event on May 4. Themes include injury and illness prevention and recognizing youth contributions through the Focus on Safety National Youth Video Contest.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Launch Ceremony Planned for Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026

The Public Health Agency of Canada provided notice of an upcoming launch ceremony for Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026. While details are limited, the announcement signals continued federal attention on immunization programming.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mental Health Funding Renewed for National Team Athletes

Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden announced $6.22 million over two years for mental health support to national team-carded athletes and coaches. The funding, part of the Sport Support Program, focuses on maltreatment prevention and enhancing mental health resources. This forms part of a larger previously announced $16-million allocation to athlete well-being and will be available to those preparing for international competitions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expanded Mandate: Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre Renamed and Broadens Services

The Department of National Defence’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre is now operating as the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC). Its mandate has expanded to include support for Defence Community members affected by racism as well as sexual misconduct, with new specialized staff training and engagement programs responding to both areas.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Alty Addresses Indigenous Rights and Health at UN Permanent Forum

Minister Rebecca Alty, joined by Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders, spoke at the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. Discussions addressed the interplay between Indigenous rights and health, with reference to Canada’s $3.8 billion A Force of Nature strategy and the ongoing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba Introduces Toolkit for Healthcare Workforce Recruitment and Retention

Manitoba released a new toolkit in partnership with municipal leaders to help communities attract and retain health professionals, with strategies including housing support and social integration.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Selkirk Region Sees Expanded Health and Community Infrastructure Investment

The Manitoba government committed further funding for Selkirk’s health care, including increased surgeries and midwifery services, while home care vacancy rates in Selkirk declined from 25% to 6%.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Reports Progress Connecting Ottawa Residents to Primary Care

Ontario’s $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan has resulted in the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre signing up nearly 1,800 patients out of its 2,175 target; regional funding supports additional primary care access initiatives.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Launches Provincewide Oncofertility Program and Expands Breast Cancer Screening

Alberta is expanding free breast cancer screening to all women aged 40+, effective April 2027, and investing $2.25 million to introduce an oncofertility program assisting cancer patients with fertility preservation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Expands Culturally Safe Indigenous Community Health Centres

New Indigenous Community Health Centres in Port Alberni and Campbell River, BC, will improve primary care for over 5,750 patients, offering a mix of family physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consults on Registration Decision for Cholecalciferol Rodenticide Products

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is inviting public comment until April 26, 2026, on the proposed registration of cholecalciferol-based rodent control products for indoor and outdoor use.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Ontario appoints Dr. Jane Philpott as new chair of its primary care panel: Coverage of Ontario's ongoing primary care strategy and leadership appointments.
• The Globe and Mail: Data sharing obstacles persist in Canada’s digital health system: Examination of EMR data interoperability challenges in Canadian healthcare.
• La Presse: Crise de recrutement dans les soins à domicile au Québec: Analysis of Quebec’s ongoing home care workforce shortage.
• Toronto Star: Seniors in Canada face affordability crisis: Report on cost of living pressures impacting Canadian seniors.
• Global News: Alberta expands breast cancer screening and launches new fertility supports: Alberta’s healthcare program developments.
• Montreal Gazette: Urgences-santé preps for climate emergencies in pre-hospital services: Montreal’s pre-hospital emergency resilience planning.
• CTV News: Manitoba's efforts to restore specialized menopause care: Details on Manitoba’s new specialized menopause clinic.
• The Tyee: Rural BC communities struggle with nurse shortages: Challenges for healthcare professionals in northern British Columbia.
• National Post: Federal funding aims to address mental health for athletes: Review of Ottawa’s new grants for athlete mental wellness.
• iPolitics: New data exposes gaps in access to primary care for racialized Canadians: Reporting on the new Statistics Canada health care provider study.

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