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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Largest Federal Investment in Cancer Prevention Research Targets Early Detection

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced that the Government of Canada and partners will invest over $41 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and collaborators including the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Cancer Research Society, and BioCanRx. The funding supports 19 research teams developing new approaches to cancer prevention and early detection over five years. Projects include research on connections between common diabetes and weight-loss drugs and cancer risk, the role of gut microbiota in prostate and colorectal cancer, and collaboration with Japan on aging and early-onset cancer. The initiative marks the largest CIHR-led investment in cancer prevention to date.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Conversation on Men and Boys’ Health Launched

On February 23, Health Canada announced the launch of a national conversation addressing the physical and mental health challenges facing men and boys, aiming to improve outcomes and inform Canada’s first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, which will be published later in 2026. Canadians can participate by submitting feedback via the Healthy Men website beginning March 2. The initiative seeks input from the general public, professionals, and stakeholders to inform policy measures, driven partly by findings that improved men’s health could yield $12.4 billion in annual savings.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Major Statistical Update: Canadian Cancer Incidence Data, 1992–2023

Statistics Canada has released updated cancer incidence data, covering diagnoses from 1992 to 2023 across cancer types, regions, age groups, and sex, with new data available for Quebec. The release enables detailed review of national and provincial trends to guide planning and research, providing a timely data resource for cancer control and resource allocation.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Digital Health Technology: Latest Data on Provider Adoption

Statistics Canada published new results from the 2024 Survey on the Use of Digital Technologies by Health Care Providers, offering indicators for Shared Health Priorities. This dataset supports evidence-based evaluation of digital health adoption, technology use, and potential impacts on patient care delivery among providers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal Support for Gender-Based Violence Response: MARAC Pilot Funding

On February 27, Women and Gender Equality Canada announced $871,262 in funding for the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto to implement a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) pilot that coordinates multiple agencies in responding to intimate partner violence. The model was initially tested through a $920,917 investment and will now expand to Toronto, also adapting in Alberta as lessons are shared between provinces. The federal Gender-based Violence Program has received $223.4 million over five years for such initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Sitting 52: Interoperability and Language Barriers in Health Care Discussed

On February 24, at Senate sitting no. 52, Senator Joan Kingston called for national standards for interoperable health data, citing Bill S-5. The session included adoption of a report on language barriers in health service provision, review of the Main Estimates for health-related appropriations, and a debate on policy measures related to digital infrastructure and traveler programs.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Examines AI’s Benefits and Concerns for Health Sector

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI) held meeting no. 27 focused on AI’s role in health and digital adoption. Mark Schaan (ISED) detailed federal investments including the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy; Dominic Rochon (Treasury Board) outlined internal adoption safeguards. The session examined risks related to digital sovereignty, reliance on non-Canadian providers, legal modernization, and the importance of coordinated AI governance and literacy. Elissa Strome (CIFAR) noted Canada’s research strengths, advocating for public trust and thoughtful standards for the sector.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Human Rights Committee Reviews AI Impact on Health and Access

The Senate Committee on Human Rights (RIDR) in meeting no. 11, February 23, studied AI’s effect on human rights, economic security, and access to services, including health care in Nunavut. Federal officials and panelists stressed the need for AI literacy and strategy, job protection for youth, and privacy modernization. Discussions also addressed AI-driven bias, job augmentation, and the importance of coordinated digital literacy strategies.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Updates: Action Plan for Black Public Servants Expands Supports

On February 25, Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali provided an update on initiatives from the Action Plan for Black Public Servants. Notable developments include a tripling of Black mental health professionals for the Employee Assistance Program, nearly 100 graduates of the Executive Leadership Development Program, and expanded leadership development, language training, and career counseling. New programs—Supporting Future Innovators and Building the Pipeline—aim to increase digital training and improve conflict management services. The Black Mental Health Webinar series has also been launched, with ongoing commitments for further mental health and anti-racism supports.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Marks Partnerships with Indian Institutions in Nursing, Health-related AI, and Public Health

On February 28, Global Affairs Canada published details of 13 new partnerships between Canadian and Indian universities, several with direct implications for the health sector. Noteworthy agreements include Dalhousie University’s dual nursing degree program for Indian students with clinical experience in Canada, the University of Toronto’s collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science on AI in medicine, and Brock University’s multi-year exchanges focused on public health and sports management. These initiatives seek to facilitate research, academic mobility, and development of clinical and public health capacity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Announces Major Expansion for Medical Isotope Production

Ontario will provide a provincial guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program to support a $250 million investment by Bruce Power and Saugeen Ojibway Nation, aiming to double medical isotope production by 2030 and increase global supply for cancer treatments.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

BC Launches National Pharmacare with Coverage for Diabetes and Menopausal Therapy

British Columbia will implement the BC PharmaCare National Pharmacare Plan on March 1, providing full coverage for diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy to 570,000 residents with diabetes and about 160,000 with menopausal symptoms, funded in part by $670 million from the federal government.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Budget 2026 Commits $34.4 Billion for Health System Expansion

Alberta’s 2026 budget proposes $34.4 billion in total health care spending to expand hospital, surgical, and primary care capacity, invest in diagnostics, cancer care, mental health, and addiction supports, while increasing compensation for physicians and nurse practitioners.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Advances Local Medtech Companies Through Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund

Ontario announced $5.8 million in investments in Kitchener-based Intellijoint Surgical and Vena Medical, funded through the Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund, to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity of medical technologies and support commercialization and job creation.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Tentative Agreements Reached for Health Science and Community Health Professionals in BC

The Health Employers Association of BC reached tentative agreements with both the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association and the Community Bargaining Association, affecting around 50,000 personnel, to support service delivery, staffing, and professional development. Ratification processes are pending.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Open: Proposed Maximum Residue Limit for Acynonapyr

Health Canada is consulting on a proposed maximum residue limit (MRL) for acynonapyr, with comments accepted until May 12, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation Open: Proposed MRLs for Fluazaindolizine on Fruit and Vegetable Crops

Health Canada invites comments on new and increased maximum residue limits for fluazaindolizine on various fruits and vegetables; input is open until May 12.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Consults on MRL for EBDC Fungicides

Written comments are invited by May 12 on a proposed maximum residue limit for ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Iris G. Petten moved to hold a Committee of the Whole session during Senate proceedings on February 25.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Family doctor study finds disparities in primary care across Canada: A new study explores regional differences in access to primary care providers.
• Virtual Hallway speeds up referral process and shortens patient wait times: Technology platform aims to reduce delays in patient referrals.
• Canada's ease of access to primary care depends on where you live: survey: Survey results examine the variation in access to family doctors by province.
• A federal program to provide health care for refugees is — once again — sparking a fiery debate: National debate reignites over refugee health care program.
• Family health teams urge Ontario to up pay for nurses, health workers to retain them: Health care workers press for wage increases to address staffing retention.
• Health clinic expansion aims to serve all unattached patients in Charlotte County municipality, minister says: New Brunswick health clinic expands services to reach unattached patients.
• NetworkNews Audio Announces Audio Press Release (APR) Discussing High-Quality Health Care in Skilled Nursing, Acute Care Sectors: Audio press release discusses developments in skilled nursing and acute care.
• Opinion: Patients not showing up for medical appointments is putting a strain on our health care system: Opinion piece examines the impact of missed appointments.
• 'We have failed them': Studies overlook sex, gender in veteran pain care: Analysis points to gaps in addressing sex and gender differences in veterans’ pain management.
• As literacy rates lag, a pediatric hospital is screening for reading ability: Pediatric hospital implements reading ability screening amid concern over literacy rates.

.