Minister Holland right to call out Imperial Tobacco: Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control
On Nov. 28, Health Minister Mark Holland vowed to close the loophole that allows for the aggressive marketing and sale to children of inexpensive flavoured nicotine pouches found in convenient stores. In response, Imperial Tobacco accused the minister of being “misinformed,” asking him to put aside “his personal long-standing vendetta against the tobacco industry” citing his “background is […]
Why a sugar-sweetened beverage tax is a plus for all Canadians

If the federal government doesn’t want to be seen as a laggard in the fight against chronic disease, now is the time for it to implement a Canada-wide sugar-sweetened beverage tax.
I live with cerebral palsy—the Canada Disability Benefit would be a lifeline for me, and others like me

We can choose to create a society that cherishes the dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their abilities or the constraints they face.
Lots of goodwill between Liberals and NDP on pharmacare, but ever-present chance they’ll ‘mismanage the relationship,’ warns pollster Lyle

On Dec. 14, the parties announced they had agreed to extend the deadline for passing legislation to create the framework for a national pharmacare program. The supply-and-confidence agreement between the two parties, established in March 2022, had called for that to be achieved by the end of 2023. The parties have now given themselves until March 1, 2024, to achieve this piece of their agreement.
Canada not ready for planned expansion of MAID to those with mental illness

Mental health experts’ testimony to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying not only suggests we are not ready for the March 2024 deadline, but it also raises the question of whether we ever could or should be.
‘Inundated with emails’: Calkins’ private member’s bill to repeal new natural health products regulations follows months-long opposition campaign

MPs have received hundreds of emails and flyers related to the regulations which tighten labelling and reporting rules for the natural health product sector.
A prescription for equity: ensuring young Canadians’ health through National Pharmacare

A public pharmacare program that provides coverage for all Canadians, regardless of age, occupation, or income, would alleviate financial burdens and allow people to choose jobs based on the work and wages, rather than the cost of the company drug plan.
Liberal and NDP strategists say flexibility on pharmacare timelines, dissent a sign of pact’s longevity, not limitations

As the NDP chalks up a win on the rollout of dental care, strategist Cam Holmstrom says if the Liberals can’t get pharmacare on the board soon, it could be game over for the New Democrats’ support for the government.
One investment in the 2024 federal budget would make a difference in the lives of 12 million Canadians

The Framework for Diabetes in Canada has the potential to make major improvements in the way our health-care system manages diabetes care, but now it requires federal investment to make it that progress a reality.
The tuberculosis crisis in Canada’s North is a social justice issue

In addition to the work addressing the housing crisis and food insecurity, intergenerational trauma caused by TB sanatoriums must be acknowledged as a social determinant of health in Nunavut.