August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canadian Institutes of Health Research launches $24 million national cannabis and brain health consortium

On August 12, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel announced a $24 million federal investment to establish the Canadian Cannabis and Brain Health Consortium. The initiative will build a national infrastructure pooling data and harmonizing research across provinces, involving 10 multidisciplinary teams focused on subjects such as cannabis’s therapeutic potential, its effects on brain health, sleep, prenatal exposure, and conditions like psychosis and epilepsy. According to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, more than one in three adults used cannabis in 2025. The national consortium is expected to advance knowledge about brain health outcomes and inform evidence-based health care and policy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ottawa infrastructure project moves forward to support health, border protection, and security science

Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded a $768.6-million contract to PCL Construction Canada Inc. for the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project in Ottawa. The announcement on August 12 detailed the construction of six modern science facilities at the CFIA Ottawa Laboratory site, supporting collaboration among scientists from the CFIA, Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and Public Health Agency of Canada. This infrastructure is designed to strengthen Canada’s food supply, emergency preparedness, border security, and research capabilities. The government is working with Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and create economic opportunities through participation plans. The RSS Main campus is part of Canada’s NATO defence investment framework, aiming to enhance national security and resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government funds health sector adaptation to climate change in Quebec City

On August 11 in Québec City, Secretary of State (Nature) Nathalie Provost announced a federal grant of $354,500 to Santé Québec Capitale-Nationale – Universitaire through Health Canada’s Climate Change and Health Capacity Building Program. More than $17 million is distributed to 24 organizations under HealthADAPT and HeatADAPT, supporting capacity, resilience, and real-time monitoring for climate-related health events such as extreme heat. The funded project includes enhanced preparedness for organizations, health workers, and vulnerable populations, as well as coordination between public health authorities and community partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government supports rural health access with community transit investment in British Columbia

Pender Harbour Health Centre will receive over $175,000 in federal funding to expand transit services for rural residents on the Sunshine Coast, announced August 15. The investment enables purchase of an accessible mini-bus and a storage shelter, enhancing capacity for seniors, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous residents. The Centre, a community-led nonprofit, expects improved mobility and reduced isolation, with expanded access to medical services and health programs. The new transit investment accompanies the Centre’s 50-year milestone in offering healthcare and wellness support.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Institutes of Health Research provides background on cannabis and brain health research initiative

Canadian Institutes of Health Research has released a backgrounder outlining the scope of its cannabis and brain health research consortium. The initiative is designed to address knowledge gaps concerning the health effects and risks of cannabis use, with special attention to populations including youth, pregnant individuals, frequent users, and those at increased risk of mental health harms. Researchers aim to leverage new infrastructure for data harmonization and national collaboration.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario expands health-care workforce training with $10.9 million investment

Ontario is allocating more than $10.9 million through its Skills Development Fund Training Stream to train nearly 2,000 workers for health-care roles, including personal support workers and medical laboratory technologists. Ten separate projects, including Scarborough Health Network, will deliver specialized training, mentorship, and work placements.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario connects more patients to primary care in Toronto

Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan provided over $3.3 million to Women’s College Academic Family Health Team, which has registered more than 10,000 patients since August 2025, exceeding targets for primary care access.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario connects more patients to primary care in North York

Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team received over $1 million and has signed up nearly 2,600 patients, achieving over 99% of its target under the Primary Care Action Plan.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia launches individualized funding milestone to transform disability support

Nova Scotia contracted Seafair to develop a new system enabling people with disabilities to manage support funding directly. This includes a $26.2 million development contract and up to $29 million to support users.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta advances maternal health with Midwifery Strategy Grant

Alberta’s government opened applications for the $5 million Midwifery Strategy Grant, targeting expanded access to midwifery care. Grants support recruitment, professional development, and culturally appropriate services, especially in rural areas.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Rise in Overnight Demand for Mental Health Support Prompts Kids Help Phone to Launch Urgent Appeal Ahead of Anticipated Jump During Back-to-School Season: The Kids Help Phone reports increased need for overnight mental health support as students prepare for school.

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