Canada’s Premiers Talk Health (and More) 

Canada’s Premiers met in Winnipeg where they discussed improvements to healthcare and promised to host a health summit within the next year.

On that, and more, here is your Syntax Weekly Health Round-Up.

• On the Hill
  • The House of Commons and the Senate are now adjourned for the summer. The House is scheduled to return on Monday, September 18, while the Senate is scheduled to return on Tuesday, September 19.  

• Around Cabinet
  • Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos announced $560,000 in funding for the University of Alberta, which will conduct the first comprehensive national review of how medical assistance in dying is provided across the country and expand understanding about individual and family experiences. 
  • Recognizing the importance of improving the health and well-being of Canadians with autism, the federal government announced up to $500,000 in funding for Autism Alliance of Canada to collaborate with the Pacific Autism Family Network and Autism Speaks Canada to outline the requirements to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a National Autism Network that will support the implementation of a national autism strategy. 
  • Minister Duclos announced that 11 projects in Alberta had received just under $11 million in funding between them through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) and Harm Reduction Fund (HRF) to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of prevention methods for these infections, along with other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. 

• Around the Dominion
  • On day one of the Council of the Federation meetings in Winnipeg, provincial and territorial Premiers discussed the need to ensure timely access to high-quality healthcare. Premiers reiterated their focus on initiatives to retain, train, and recruit healthcare workers through provincial- and territorial-led action, including credential recognition, labour mobility, enhanced training and recruitment, and addressing harmful interprovincial health human resources competition. Most notably, the Premiers agreed to host a dedicated health summit aimed at advancing innovative work within the next year. 
  • Newfoundland and Labrador announced that a new mobile clinic program would soon be rolling out. The mobile clinics will be housed in a custom-designed vehicle with the required medical supplies and equipment to transport a team of medical professionals — including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, clerical staff, and family physicians — to areas with limited access to primary care. 
  • The Government of New Brunswick announced that it has launched the New Brunswick Addiction and Mental Health Helpline, a free, confidential, bilingual, 24-hour service for those looking to speak to someone about concerns related to mental health and addictions. 
  • The P.E.I. government announced that the permanent Pharmacy Plus PEI program now includes assessment for hormonal contraception, impetigo, and shingles.