June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Announces New Leadership

On June 16, 2026, Health Minister Marjorie Michel named Peter Moreland-Giraldeau as Vice-Chairperson and Conor McCourt as a member of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB). Moreland-Giraldeau, who has served on the Board since October 2023, brings experience from legal practice spanning several jurisdictions. McCourt is a retired lawyer with expertise in pharmaceutical patent law and health regulatory affairs. The PMPRB operates to regulate patented medicine prices in Canada. These appointments follow earlier changes to board leadership, with Anie Perrault becoming Chairperson. The government has continued to stress merit-based appointments for oversight bodies that have direct regulatory impact on the pharmaceutical market.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Tables New Federal Privacy Legislation

On June 15, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act (PPCDA), aimed at updating private-sector privacy law for the digital economy. The legislation proposes to: recognize privacy as a fundamental right, set stricter standards for children’s data, require meaningful consent for personal information use, mandate plain-language explanations, obligate transparency around automated decision-making, and grant Canadians a right to data deletion. The bill would establish a new arm’s-length Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission to oversee and enforce compliance, with penalties of up to $10 million or 3% of global revenue (or higher for serious offences). The PPCDA forms part of the government’s broader National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This policy action is designed to set new baselines for how personal data, including health data, may be processed, transferred, or used by health sector organizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Overdose Deaths Decline, Federal Response Broadens

Health Canada reported on June 15 that national overdose deaths have decreased, though fatality rates remain higher than earlier in the decade and vary by region. Federal officials, including Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Fentanyl Czar Kevin Brosseau, detailed expanded monitoring tools such as the National Wastewater Drug Surveillance dashboard and Canadian Drug Analysis Centre. The government’s Border Plan supports law and border enforcement in intercepting illegal drugs. Over the past year, $145 million was distributed to 180 organizations for harm reduction, recovery, and prevention programs. The Youth Substance Use Prevention Program and several nationwide campaigns have targeted youth engagement and opioid-awareness initiatives. These measures aim to support care across treatment, prevention, and enforcement domains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Seniors Council: New Members Named

On June 17, 2026, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel and Secretary of State (Seniors) Stephanie McLean announced the appointment of Dr. Habib Chaudhury and reappointment of Dr. Marie Beaulieu to the National Seniors Council. Dr. Chaudhury, Professor of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University, has a background in environmental gerontology and age-friendly design, and consults on planning for long-term care environments. Dr. Beaulieu, University of Sherbrooke Adjunct Professor, is noted for her work addressing elder abuse and advocacy for ethical treatment of older adults. These appointments bring additional expertise in seniors housing and social gerontology to the Council at a time when Canada’s population is aging.

Sources: www.canada.ca

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Marked by Federal Ministers

On June 15, 2026, Ministers Patty Hajdu, Marjorie Michel, and Stephanie McLean issued a statement for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, noting that between 4% and 10% of older adults in Canada experience abuse, including violence, neglect, and financial exploitation, often in care environments. Budget 2025 announced work with stakeholders on a voluntary code of conduct for federally regulated banks to prevent economic abuse and the forthcoming National Anti-Fraud Strategy involving tech and telecom providers. The New Horizons for Seniors Program distributed over $50 million this year to fund more than 700 community projects supporting digital literacy and fraud prevention among seniors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Emerging Risks in Canadian Workplaces Discussed at National Forum

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety will convene its Forum 2026 event in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on October 28–29. The event will bring together leaders and professionals to address challenges including artificial intelligence, the future of work, and workplace mental health. Scheduled speakers include Lee Jeyes (Waitrose & Partners), Mary Ann Baynton (psychological health and safety expert), Janet MacEachern (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada), and Dr. Arif Jetha (Institute for Work & Health). The Innovation Showcase will feature resources and tools for workplace health and safety, with emphasis on adapting to new risks and operational risk management.

Sources: www.canada.ca

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge Recognizes Health-Focused Communicators

On June 16, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada announced the winners of its 2026 Storytellers Challenge, highlighting student research narratives. Andrea Bentz from the University of Ottawa was acknowledged for her work on pediatric emergency nurses experiencing moral injury in the face of ethical challenges and broader social pressures. The competition promotes clear communication of research that directly informs health care, service delivery, and policy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Legislation Introduced to Support First Nations’ Access to Clean Drinking Water

On June 16, 2026, Minister Mandy Gull-Masty introduced Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act, in the House of Commons. The legislation was accompanied by a $4.6 billion targeted funding commitment for water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nation communities. Bill C-37 sets federal minimum standards, establishes First Nations-led governance over water, and mandates a co-developed funding framework. The legislative approach includes regulatory authority for First Nations to enforce their own water laws, aiming to address historical gaps in safe water protections.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Targeted Initiatives Announced for Illegal Drug Crisis Response

Health Canada issued a notice on June 15 announcing targeted initiatives in response to the ongoing illegal drug crisis. While specifics were not published in the event note, the statement signals continued federal engagement with provincial, Indigenous, and public safety partners on drug-related harms and service access.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Virtual Care Remains Significant in Health Service Delivery

According to Statistics Canada's June 2026 Health Reports, use of virtual care—initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic—has declined since restrictions eased but continues to play a substantial role in health care delivery. The data suggest ongoing patient reliance on telephone, video, and digital communication modalities, indicating a sustained shift that warrants consideration in models of patient-centered care.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Survey of Health Care Clinics: 2024 Data Released

Statistics Canada has released 2024 data from the Survey of Health Care Clinics in Canada, providing new information about the scope and characteristics of clinic-based services. The dataset offers a quantitative foundation for analyzing trends in clinic-based health service provision.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Launches Government Action Plan for Caregivers 2026-2031

Quebec’s Minister of Health Sonia Bélanger unveiled the 2026-2031 Government Action Plan for Caregivers, setting out 50 actions across recognition, training, health services, and adaptable environments to support direct services for caregivers.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Expands Social Work Services in Emergency and Urgent Care

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced new social work positions for Winnipeg’s emergency departments and urgent care centres, a step intended to strengthen discharge planning and community support coordination.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Increases Primary Care Access in Thunder Bay

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford, during a June 16 visit, noted that Port Arthur Health Centre and four other teams in Thunder Bay have collectively connected over 11,000 patients to primary care, backed by provincial funding as part of the Primary Care Action Plan.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Adds 200 Hip and Knee Surgeries Province-wide

Minister Asagwara announced on June 19 the allocation of 200 additional hip and knee replacement surgeries across Manitoba, building on an existing program at Selkirk Regional Health Centre intended to alleviate surgical backlogs.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

More Care, Closer to Home: Alberta Reaches Pharmacy Agreement

Alberta’s government finalized a new agreement with the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association on June 16, introducing longer prescription refills, pilot expansions for pharmacist-led care in rural communities, and a revised funding model aimed at maintaining broad access.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Ammonium Bromide Use in Pulp and Paper Mills

Health Canada commenced a public consultation on June 15 regarding the re-evaluation of ammonium bromide and its associated end-use products, with proposed label and PPE updates and new measures to prevent water contamination. The consultation runs until September 13, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• National Post: Canada’s Aging Population and Health System Strain: Overview of demographic projections and challenges for long-term care.
• CBC News: Telemedicine’s Future After COVID-19: Examination of ongoing trends in virtual health care in Canada.
• Globe and Mail: Prescription Drug Pricing Disputes: Insights into regulatory debates over proprietary drug costs.
• CTV News: New Data Privacy Legislation Analysis: Analysis of the federal government’s privacy bill and sector implications.
• Toronto Star: Ontario Primary Care Reforms: Review of Ontario’s progress toward province-wide primary care access goals.

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