Health Policy News

New Alberta bill would let pharmacists supply addiction medications directly to prescribers
Change would allow faster access to opioid treatment medications in clinics.
Self-referred private diagnostic tests will further strain health system, Alberta Medical Association says
The Alberta government says Bill 29 will reduce wait times, keep Albertans healthier and give people more control over their health. But in a letter to members last Friday, AMA president Dr. Brian Wirzba wrote that more tests ‘do not automatically mean better care.’

Canadian and U.S. FPs have highest burnout levels in OECD: report

Canada leads in innovation; 46% of family doctors have already integrated AI into their practices.
Come Canada Day, Ontario pharmacists could begin offering expanded services

Ontario Pharmacists Association CEO is ‘hopeful’ new minor ailment and vaccine services could launch this summer, though strep testing may face delays.
Parliamentary committee on assisted dying has gone ‘off the rails,’ expert warns

Jocelyn Downie, a professor emeritus of law at Dalhousie University who has studied medical assistance in dying for decades, said the committee is hearing testimony that’s unrelated to its mandate and is heavily weighted toward people opposed to extending MAID to cover mental illness.
Alberta government to lower age of eligibility for free breast cancer screening

Patients aged 40 to 44 will be able to access free mammograms with only one initial doctor referral until the full changes kick in a year from now, next April.
How to reduce errors and complaints, and their effects on morale

Embracing a ‘just culture’ and improving communication are key to turning mistakes into opportunities for growth and systemic improvement.
Canadian Ophthalmological Society sees ‘significant concerns’ with expanding scope of practice of non-physicians in eye care

The group warns that further expanding scope of practice for optometrists and other non-physicians could lead to more delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
Health spending and other highlights from P.E.I.’s latest budget

Healthcare spending is projected to rise by 14.2% to $1.4 billion.
The 2026 Medical Post Awards are now open for nominations

The annual awards, adjudicated by panels of physician judges, support Canadian physician voices, contributions to community and practice innovation. Nominations close May 22.

New Alberta bill would let pharmacists supply addiction medications directly to prescribers

Self-referred private diagnostic tests will further strain health system, Alberta Medical Association says

Canadian and U.S. FPs have highest burnout levels in OECD: report

Come Canada Day, Ontario pharmacists could begin offering expanded services

Parliamentary committee on assisted dying has gone ‘off the rails,’ expert warns

Alberta government to lower age of eligibility for free breast cancer screening

How to reduce errors and complaints, and their effects on morale

Canadian Ophthalmological Society sees ‘significant concerns’ with expanding scope of practice of non-physicians in eye care

Health spending and other highlights from P.E.I.’s latest budget

The 2026 Medical Post Awards are now open for nominations