Health Policy News

Feds ‘very concerned’ about Alberta’s dual practice law, weighs unprecedented penalties
In a letter to her Alberta counterpart, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel says Bill 11 may violate two core components of the Canada Health Act.
‘It’s a travesty’: How a shortage of residency spots in dermatology is straining patient care
With around two, sometimes three, first-choice applicants per position, dermatology is among the most competitive specialties to match into, exasperating the shortage of dermatologists in this country.

The annual physical is dead. Comprehensive care shouldn’t die with it

A discussion on equity-oriented prevention, relationship-based practice and clinical judgment in Canadian family medicine.
The primary care pivot: Inside why FPs are fleeing comprehensive practice but staying in medicine

How crushing admin workloads and stagnant pay models continue to drive physicians into focused care roles.
Pharmacists can now prescribe birth control in Manitoba

As of Aug. 4, 2026, patients can go to a pharmacist and obtain oral contraceptive pills, hormonal patches, vaginal rings and intramuscular contraceptive injections without needing a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner.
B.C. physician master agreement delivers major boost to rural medicine

With millions in targeted funding and enhanced support programs, rural doctors hope the newly public 314-page agreement will turn the tide on recruitment and retention.
Will Alberta's self-referred health tests reduce wait times? Clinics aren't so sure

Some Alberta medical clinics are taking a wait-and-see approach to the province's new program that lets patients bypass their doctor and privately book diagnostic imaging tests.
Alberta advances regional safety net for rural health, minister says

New administrative bodies based on regional travel patterns will strengthen primary care networks, said Justin Wright, the minister of primary and preventative health services.
Quiet provincial progress gives more sense of what 'national medical licensure' might look like

As Prime Minister Mark Carney pushes to eliminate internal trade barriers, incremental groundwork by medical regulators might finally make ‘multi-jurisdictional licensure’ a reality.
Quebec falling behind when it comes to dying of old age at home, doctor says

Despite the potential of at-home palliative care to reduce costs and relieve the pressure on emergency rooms, the provincial government is making little progress in expanding it, she says.

Feds ‘very concerned’ about Alberta’s dual practice law, weighs unprecedented penalties

‘It’s a travesty’: How a shortage of residency spots in dermatology is straining patient care

The annual physical is dead. Comprehensive care shouldn’t die with it

The primary care pivot: Inside why FPs are fleeing comprehensive practice but staying in medicine

Pharmacists can now prescribe birth control in Manitoba

B.C. physician master agreement delivers major boost to rural medicine

Will Alberta's self-referred health tests reduce wait times? Clinics aren't so sure

Alberta advances regional safety net for rural health, minister says

Quiet provincial progress gives more sense of what 'national medical licensure' might look like

Quebec falling behind when it comes to dying of old age at home, doctor says