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.

Also consider subscribing to our Healthcare - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• House HUMA Committee: Study of Budget Implementation Bill C-15 Health Provisions: On February 9, the House Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities will examine health-related clauses in Bill C-15; scheduled witnesses include representatives from the Coalition for Healthy School Food, Council of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Schools of Ontario, and the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada.
• House HESA Committee: Briefing on the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile: The House Health Committee meets February 10 for a briefing on the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile, with planned testimony from senior executives of the Public Health Agency of Canada, including President Nancy Hamzawi and Acting Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Natasha Crowcroft.
• Senate SECD Committee: Review of Bill C-12 and Health Related Budget Measures: The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs will review Bill C-12 and security-related health measures on February 9, with Health Canada’s Jennifer Pelley and officials from multiple agencies expected to appear.

Federal Government News

Government Introduces Bill S-5 to Establish a More Connected Health Care System

The federal government introduced Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act, as part of its plan to modernize Canada’s healthcare system and standardize digital health information exchange. The legislation mandates all IT vendors providing digital health services in Canada to adopt interoperability standards, aiming to reduce reliance on outdated systems and improve secure sharing of patient data. Only 29% of providers currently share electronic health information securely outside their offices, which the federal government considers insufficient. Collaboration with provinces and territories will guide regulation development to enable efficient and secure data flows across jurisdictions. The act also lays the groundwork for integrating emerging technologies, such as AI, by ensuring digital foundations are consistent nationwide. Existing privacy laws remain in effect, with security in patient data exchange presented as a central policy objective. Regulatory changes arising from Bill S-5 are expected to affect digital health service providers, healthcare organizations, and technology suppliers operating across regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.theglobeandmail.com

Senate Committee Amends National Children and Youth Strategy Bill with Focus on Mental Health and Indigenous Consultation

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology progressed with clause-by-clause review of Bill S-212, a proposal to create a national strategy for children and youth. During meetings chaired by Senator Rosemary Moodie, amendments were adopted to increase access to mental health services, ensure culturally safe consultations with children and youth, and reference the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Greenwood’s amendments called for inclusion of the Inuit Child First Initiative and Indigenous-specific early childhood programs, with the implementation period extended from 24 to 36 months to accommodate thorough Indigenous consultation. The strategy's preamble was revised to emphasize culturally safe environments for Indigenous children, a distinctions-based framework for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and additional requirements for translation services. The committee agreed to report the amended bill with observations to the Senate.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases 2024 Data on Postpartum Health Care Access and Perinatal Mental Health Support

A recently published Statistics Canada Parental Experiences Survey indicates that 87% of mothers and birthing parents in 2024 had a regular healthcare provider during the postpartum period. Despite this, 13% reported at least one unmet health care need after giving birth. The survey introduces new national data on access to postpartum and perinatal mental health care, with notable implications for regions experiencing shortages in primary care providers and mental health resources.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Senate Addresses Legislation on Women’s Health, Economic Reconciliation, and Health Data Privacy

During its February 5 sitting, the Senate debated Bill S-243 on women's health and Bill S-241 on economic reconciliation, alongside Bill C-4, which raises privacy issues related to health data and patient information. Concerns were expressed about ensuring robust legislative measures for privacy in health-related contexts. Other topics included health infrastructure funding, trade agreements, and systemic changes for youth transitioning from care. Senator Moreau referenced the need for ongoing investments in housing and health infrastructure as part of broad government priorities.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Accessibility Standards Canada and New Brunswick Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Accessibility Standards

Accessibility Standards Canada and the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour entered a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration on accessibility standards development. The MOU aims to streamline research sharing and standard-setting efforts, potentially reducing regulatory duplication and inconsistencies for organizations operating across jurisdictions. Joint activity may lead to more unified accessibility requirements relevant to health facilities, providers, and infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Commits $21 Million to Long-Term Care Staff Training

Ontario will allocate over $21 million to two programs supporting new qualifications for 700 long-term care staff, particularly in rural and northern areas.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Streamlines Pathway for International Pharmacists

Manitoba has established a new licensing pathway to facilitate faster registration of internationally trained pharmacists, including those from the US, reducing application processing from over four years to 75 days.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Expansion of Addictions Care in Fraser Health Region, BC

British Columbia has added 10 medical withdrawal management beds in Surrey, introduced a transportation service, and opened a new addiction care satellite clinic in Hope, expanding access to withdrawal and addiction support.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Publishes Draft Regulations Affecting Medical Imaging Technologists

Quebec has released draft regulations detailing professional activities for medical imaging technologists, now under a 45-day public comment period prior to government approval.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Public Health Notice: Measles Case Reported on Flight to Montreal

Quebec health authorities confirmed a measles case on Aeroméxico flight AM680 arriving in Montreal on January 21; public health is advising vaccine checks for people traveling from designated exposure locations.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Draft Guidance on Human and Veterinary Drug Submissions Based on Promising Evidence

Health Canada is consulting on new draft guidance for drug submissions under Agile Licensing Regulations, replacing the Notice of Compliance with conditions policy; feedback is open until February 10, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Draft Guidance on Terms and Conditions for Human and Veterinary Drugs

Health Canada is accepting comments on revised draft guidance regarding new authorities for applying terms and conditions to human and veterinary drugs, which come into force April 2027.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation: Proposed New Requirements for Lithium-ion Batteries in Consumer Products

Health Canada is seeking feedback until February 14, 2026, on mandatory regulatory requirements for lithium-ion batteries and consumer products containing them under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada introduces legislation to create a more connected health care system: Coverage of Bill S-5 and federal efforts to modernize digital health records.
• Quebec immigration minister pledges to prioritize health-care workers’ applications: Update on Quebec’s immigration strategy and impacts for health workforce.
• Why B.C. is poised to lead the world in redefining cancer care: Examination of new cancer care models in British Columbia.
• Looking for a new career in health care? Consider Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography: Overview of educational and workforce opportunities in diagnostic sonography.
• Alberta cuts access to health care for some foreign workers, raising concerns in the Bow Valley: Reporting on changes to health coverage for foreign workers in Alberta.
• Health PEI to test artificial intelligence in clinical care: AI developments in Prince Edward Island’s clinical care system.
• Health costs are fueling voter stress and powering Democratic campaigns: Discussion of health costs in the US electoral context.
• Calgary’s glamorous, not-to-be-missed gala returns to its roots by benefitting healthcare: Charity event coverage with implications for hospital foundations.
• Opinion: In doctors’ waiting rooms, we see what vital civic spaces should offer: Reflection on the social value of clinical waiting rooms.
• Health PEI explores new uses for AI in patient care delivery: Recent moves towards technology adoption in Eastern Canada.

.