June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

Launch of Targeted Second Phase Consultation on Federal Labour Relations and Worker Supports

Employment and Social Development Canada has published a consultation document initiating a second phase of consultations on changes to the Canada Labour Code and Wage Earner Protection Program Act. The initial round involved virtual roundtables and gathered input from employers, unions, and Indigenous partners, resulting in 208 written submissions. Topics for this round include reviewing the ministerial powers in section 107, expedited grievance arbitration, addressing bad faith bargaining, striking and lockout mandate lengths, improving first collective agreement processes, clarifying medical leave with pay, and wage theft enforcement. Stakeholders can provide feedback until August 2, 2026. The Government is seeking precise input on structural drivers, certificate requirements for medical leave, models from other jurisdictions, and enforcement mechanisms to bolster collective bargaining and worker protections. Submissions will inform policy consideration for federally regulated sectors, including air transportation, banks, and broadcasting.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Update on the Vaccine Impact Assistance Program

The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided an update to the Vaccine Impact Assistance Program. The update centers on continuing support for Canadians experiencing adverse reactions following vaccination. The program’s framework remains focused on ensuring that eligible individuals access compensation and medical support, with current administration coordinated by Health Canada and the Public Health Agency.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health Position Paper on Digital Culture and Child and Youth Well-Being

The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health released a position paper addressing the impacts of digital culture on child and youth well-being. The paper, published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, details current public health concerns, outlines risks associated with digital platforms, and discusses priorities for future research and policy development with implications for healthcare delivery, family medicine, and mental health service providers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Gross Domestic Product by Industry, April 2026

Statistics Canada’s latest data shows real gross domestic product grew by 0.5% in April 2026, the largest expansion since July 2025. Healthcare and related sectors contributed to this growth, reflecting sustained activity in medical services, diagnostic care, and outpatient facilities. Industry professionals continue to monitor monthly GDP variations for planning and resource allocation.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada’s Humanitarian Assistance in Venezuela: Health and Emergency Support

Global Affairs Canada has announced a matching fund of up to $4 million for humanitarian response following the earthquakes in Venezuela, in addition to $5 million previously allocated. Funds will be distributed to agencies delivering emergency health care and medical supplies, including the Pan American Health Organization and the International Rescue Committee. Canadian Red Cross operations have already delivered relief items and deployed medical teams. Industry stakeholders monitoring international responses note continued cooperation between Canadian officials and global partners for public health emergencies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Expands Primary Care Access in Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha North Family Health Team and Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes received $3.5 million to connect more than 2,500 patients to primary care under Ontario's Primary Care Action Plan, aiming for province-wide access by 2029.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Regulations and Statutes in Force as of July 1, 2026 in Ontario

Ontario brought multiple new regulations into effect July 1, 2026, impacting pharmacy practice, nurse practitioner registration, cancer screening eligibility, and the Seniors Co-Payment medication program.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec and France Renew Health Agreement

Quebec and France renewed their longstanding health cooperation agreement, promoting personnel exchanges, best-practice sharing, and joint initiatives in health system innovation.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Measles Update #113 in Manitoba

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care reported a new measles exposure at a health center in St-Pierre-Jolys, urging immunization checks and detailing eligibility for preventive treatments.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Launches Redesigned Driver’s Licence and ID Card with Health Number Integration

Albertans will receive new driver’s licences and ID cards featuring their personal health number, Canadian citizenship marker, and enhanced security. Registry agents will verify eligibility for health care coverage.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Privacy Act Modernization Consultation

Treasury Board is seeking input on modernizing the Privacy Act, with a focus on updating digital privacy protections and oversight in federal government services. Consultation runs until July 10, 2026.

Sources: canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Ontario expands role of pharmacists: Reporting on amended regulations allowing Ontario pharmacists to assess and prescribe for additional minor ailments.
• The Globe and Mail: Cancer screening eligibility in Ontario: Coverage of Ontario's move to lower the age for colorectal cancer screening.
• Montreal Gazette: Quebec-France renew health partnership: Quebec extends health cooperation with France for joint healthcare projects.
• CTV Winnipeg: Manitoba measles exposure: Details on latest measles exposure site and vaccine eligibility.
• Edmonton Journal: Alberta launches single health/ID card: Alberta to issue redesigned cards combining health and identification documents.
• Toronto Star: Changes to Ontario's Seniors Co-Payment program: Ontario simplifies qualification requirements for medication co-payment program.
• CBC: Expansion of primary care teams in Ontario: Kawartha North Family Health Team receives funding for expanded primary care access.
• National Post: New privacy consultation launched: Treasury Board launches formal consultation on Privacy Act reform.
• Globe and Mail: Canadian aid response in Venezuela: Canada directs humanitarian funds for health care and relief efforts in Venezuela.
• Financial Post: StatsCan reports GDP growth led by health sector: Latest StatsCan data shows health and related sectors contributed to GDP growth.

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