Health Policy News

Alberta proposes legislation to open door to more access to private medical tests
Primary Health Minister Adriana LaGrange introduced a bill Monday that, if passed, will allow for rules to fast-track some medical tests without a referral from a health practitioner.
B.C. health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is disappointed by reversal of decriminalization
Dr. Bonnie Henry made the comment as the province marks the 10th anniversary on Tuesday of the declaration of a health emergency over the toxic drug crisis, which has killed more than 18,000 people since then.

N.L. doctors now get $4,500 each year to cover professional development

Physicians who have a permanent address in the province will automatically receive the benefit, the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association says
Ontario rescinds its requirement for two years at an Ont. high school for residency spots

Globe and Mail’s André Picard argues it is a good thing to do away with this ‘boneheaded move.’
Nurses union wants weapons screening, officers, for Alberta hospitals due to violence

The president of the union’s call follows a stabbing last week in the emergency department at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital that left a 42-year-old man requiring treatment for life-threatening injuries.
Trust gap limits AI adoption in primary care

AI-enabled clinical decision support is a growing market—and it shows promise—but key concerns may need to be addressed before rollout.
B.C. ponders eight new minor ailments—but Neighbourhood Pharmacy wants to move from ‘list-based’ expansion model altogether

Neighbourhood Pharmacies Association is urging the province to move beyond list-based limits and strengthen system supports to make changes work.
Bill to criminalize forced or coerced sterilization could have unintended consequences: physicians

The intent of the bill—to condemn sterilization without informed consent—has unanimous support, including from medical groups who have raised concerns about its potential unintended consequences during House of Commons committee hearings.
OCP wants feedback on proposed scope expansion deemed higher risk

The 60-day consultation invites input on training for three common ailments and the administration of a injectable opioid treatment.
Doctors speak out on Saskatchewan’s forced drug treatment legislation

The Saskatchewan Medical Association and the college that regulates doctors say the province should strengthen existing treatment programs before implementing involuntary care.

Alberta proposes legislation to open door to more access to private medical tests

B.C. health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is disappointed by reversal of decriminalization

N.L. doctors now get $4,500 each year to cover professional development

Ontario rescinds its requirement for two years at an Ont. high school for residency spots

Nurses union wants weapons screening, officers, for Alberta hospitals due to violence

Trust gap limits AI adoption in primary care

B.C. ponders eight new minor ailments—but Neighbourhood Pharmacy wants to move from ‘list-based’ expansion model altogether

Bill to criminalize forced or coerced sterilization could have unintended consequences: physicians

OCP wants feedback on proposed scope expansion deemed higher risk

Doctors speak out on Saskatchewan’s forced drug treatment legislation